Blue Christmas
LIGHT AND DARK, LIES AND TRUTHS
You don’t have to read very far in the Bible to discover there is an active enemy against both God and His most loved creation– mankind (yourself included). This enemy’s primary name is Satan, but Jesus calls him the “Father of Lies.” When we believe his lies, we drift into darkness. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). Take some time to answer the 2 questions below. Process and pray. Feel Jesus moving you out of darkness and into His light as you answer these questions.
1. This past year, what lies have you listened to that have caused you to drift the most into darkness?
- Examples:
“I’ll always be alone,” “I’ll always struggle with this,” “No one appreciates me,” “I’ll never recover from this.”
2. What truths from Jesus do you need to dwell on to drift out of the dark and into Christ’s light?
- Examples: I am healed (Isaiah 53:5), Jesus will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), I am worthy (John 3:16), Jesus is my peace (John 14:27)
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NEEDS AND FEARS
Most of our anxiety is connected on the surface level to the things we think we need and want.
“I need to get out of debt.” “I need to break this habit.” “We want to have a child.” “I need a healthy marriage.” “I need a better job.” “I need a spouse.”
These needs are the fruit of our anxiety, but the fears connected to them are the root. It’s what we’re afraid will happen if that need/want doesn’t get met that is the root of the anxiety and fear. Take some time to complete the sentences below to help you get to the root of your anxiety and fear. Let Jesus meet you there in prayer, first at the fruit of your anxiety.
Jesus I need/want you to __________________________________________
If you don’t, I’m afraid that ________________________________________
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WHAT I’VE LOST. WHAT I STILL HAVE. WHAT I’VE GAINED.
Take some time and write out what you’ve lost this year, what you’re thankful you still have, and what you’re thankful that you’ve gained. See the whole picture in front of you. It still may feel impossible to praise God for what you’ve lost. That’s ok. Instead, realize that what or who you’ve lost, what you still have, and what you’ve gained are all collectively part of God’s plan to bring you hope and healing. Zoom out of the column of what you’ve lost and see all three columns collectively as part of God’s plan to bring healing and hope to you tonight and in the days to come.
What I’ve lost ______________________________________________________
What I’m thankful I still have _____________________________________
What I’m thankful to have gained ________________________________
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ME IN 5 YEARS
What do grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, and stressful seasons of life have in common? They have an uncanny ability to get us to dwell on either the past or the negative things we feel in the present. They rarely get us looking into the future. When they do point us that way, the image is usually bleak. Despite what’s happened in the past and despite what is happening in the present, Jesus still has an amazing future planned for you. Philippians 1:6 tells us “He (God) who began a good work in you will carry it out onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that “God has plans for you” and these plans are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Take a few moments and shift your focus away from your past and present and shift your focus onto your future. Specifically, your future because of Jesus. The one called “Emmanuel, God with us” is the God who will be with you every step of the way from this very moment to five years from tonight. Take a few minutes now to write the“5 years in the future you” a letter.
Dear Future __________________(Your Name Here),
Because of Jesus you are now…