Episode 36 - Holidays

After sharing their high/low, Jake and Brett discuss the reality of the Christmas season and how, upon deeper examination, the holidays can expose important dynamics in our hearts. 

Key Points

• There is a way to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit

• Anything we do in love doesn’t fail; so if it’s in love, just do it

• The holidays can be wonderful and difficult

• Finances can be difficult especially over the holidays

• The holidays can expose immature and self-centred places in us

• The internal narratives can be especially powerful over the holidays

• Christmas is a time we can see how we’ve grown or not 

• The pressures and expectations around Christmas can be hard

• Have meaningful conversations with spouse and family about needs and expectations over the holidays can be helpful

• We can rise above (acknowledge it, face it, choose to be a good man)

• The coming of Jesus into our world is the true centrepiece of Christmas

• Christmas shows how God not only comes into our world but also into our lives and hearts and wounds

Discussion Questions

• What struck you from this episode?

• What are some of your joys and irritations with the Christmas season?

• If you looked back at previous years, what are a couple of things that would make this season better for you and your loved ones?

• What does the Christmas season expose in you?

• How can you enter in more deeply this Christmas season?

Resources

• (None this week)