How to Survive a Christmas Movie

It’s that time of year once again—Christmas time! Baking cookies, shopping for presents, listening to Christmas music...it’s our traditions that truly make this time of year magical.

And is there any Christmas tradition more nostalgic and magical than watching a classic Christmas movie? “Home Alone” and “Christmas Vacation”...we all have our favorites because we all enjoy watching the craziness of a Christmas movie play out on screen. But, more often than not, that same craziness can end up playing out in our own lives—we struggle with things like identity and purpose—and suddenly it’s not so entertaining! So how do we survive the holidays when our world starts to play out like a Christmas movie?

Part 1

November 26

What Did You Expect?

Poor Clark Griswold...all he wants is a picture-perfect family Christmas where nothing goes wrong and everyone is happy. Is that too much to ask for? Many of us are exactly like Clark—setting up unrealistic expectations that no relationship or event can ever live up to. How can we start to temper and manage our expectations in a truly healthy and godly way?

Part 2

December 3

Identity Crisis

“Who am I?” That’s the question at the heart of the movie “Elf.” It’s a story about an elf named Buddy who travels to New York City in search of his father. Sound a little familiar? Of course! We all have moments of identity crisis in our lives…wondering who we truly are. And the good news is that God has already answered our question! He’s spoken the truth of who we are in Him.

Part 3

December 10

Isolation Issues

All Kevin McAllister wanted for Christmas was to be left alone—until he got his wish. Faced with the true nature of isolation, Kevin started to change his tune…all he wanted now? His family back with him. But unfortunately for many of us, Christmas is a time of crippling loneliness and isolation that we can’t wish our way out of. How do we handle it?

Part 4

December 17

The Point of Purpose

Cindy Lou Who is on a mission—a mission to find the true purpose of Christmas. Is it about gifts? Is it about lights and decorations? Or does Christmas mean a little bit more? And what about ourselves—what’s our purpose in all of this? Do we have any deeper meaning than just going to school or going to work? What purpose does God have in store for each of us?