(This is an updated version of a past blog)

The Christmas season often creates an atmosphere where lies concerning our relationships, our circumstances, and ourselves often sound more believable than at other times of the year. The contributing factors to this include:

• Busyness
• Disappointments from the year
• Missing family members at Christmas time
• Being out of routine with our normal schedules
• Uncomfortable dynamics in family gatherings
• Financial pressures
• Differing Christmas priorities with loved ones
• Spiritual gas tank on empty

In I Kings 19, Elijah ended up in a cave. What he thought was true was not, even though it felt really true. Many of the things we feel to be true are not. Like they did for Elijah, these feelings will pass.

Remember any area without great hope in our lives is under the influence of a lie (Romans 15:13).

There are many lies I could mention, but here are four common ones to plan to resist this holiday season:

Lie #1: You Are a Failure – December is a time of reflection. It is a time where unmet goals can be very real. Also as we interact in family gatherings, hear a barrage of media messages about what true success is, view other apparently very happy people on social media, or feel like another year has quickly slipped away, we can move into negative comparisons that lead to feelings of being a failure. If you want help with this, here is a great blog I wrote https://ignitinghope.com/igniting-hope/5-things-to-do-when-feeling-like-a-failure/

Lie #2: A Good Christmas Must Have Expensive Presents – Many of the best Christmases I have had are when we did not have money for “good presents.” Many reading this can agree because it forces us to value heart connections and creativity in developing powerful memories for our families (not based on material things but on those things that are truly important).

Lie #3: You Are Not Good At Relationships – The holidays usually put us in contact with family members we don’t normally see. This can create awkward moments and reminders of unresolved relational issues in our families. As this happens, there is often a desire to withdraw and to believe relationships are hard. This belief is actually a bigger problem than what is happening in relationships. As with any area of life, if we are going to change what we are experiencing, we first must change what we are believing. Here is an inspiring blog to help you in your relationships https://ignitinghope.com/igniting-hope/versatility-in-relationships/

Lie #4: You Are Too Busy to Adore Jesus – Declare with me right now: “I am going to have a great time connecting with Jesus this Christmas season.” Take time to ask the Lord right now for great ideas to spiritually connect with God and others like never before this year. For help with this, you can read this blog https://ignitinghope.com/igniting-hope/two-transformation-igniting-habits/

He is the reason for the season. Wise men still seek Him. We are praying you will have the best Christmas yet.