Infusing Christmas Love in Conversations and Conflict

Infusing Christmas Love in Conversations and Conflict

Christmas has just passed, leaving behind a trail of excitement, anticipation, and leftover wrapping paper. It’s a time of gathering with loved ones to exchange gifts and enjoy delicious meals. However, as members of the faith community, we must remember that the true essence of Christmas transcends a single day of gift-giving and indulgence. The love of Christmas presents an opportunity to infuse advocacy and activism into our oral traditions.

Advocacy is about celebrating the fullness of Jesus’s Christmas love. You might think of the work of advocacy as just something that happens outside of your family and home. However, conversations with your loved ones can also be powerful tools for promoting love and compassion. You can connect with your friends and family on crucial social issues and inspire them to join you in action. By intertwining advocacy and activism into your post-Christmas conversations, you can forge meaningful experiences that bring you closer and create a lasting impact on the world. You can also use this time to educate yourself on different perspectives and learn to listen actively without judgment. Let’s explore some ways that advocating Christmas love all year can be infused with conversations and conflict.

 

Infusing Love in Conversation

Love is a universal longing, particularly heightened during the holiday season. Yet, advocating for it can be a year-long endeavor with the people you regularly spend time with.  It can be challenging to establish authentic communication amidst the day-to-day hustle but by prioritizing meaningful conversations, you invest in your emotional well-being. It’s never too late to start having more authentic conversations, especially in the days following Christmas.

I would like to provide you with a few suggestions on practical ways to start the conversation:

Discuss Current Events: One of the most straightforward ways to bring up advocacy within your home is to discuss current events during family conversations. You can discuss the ongoing refugee crisis and the importance of supporting displaced individuals. This discussion can initiate additional conversations on how your family can make a difference close to home. Having this conversation will help your family consider supporting relevant charities, volunteering at local refugee centers, or advocating for meaningful reforms, including those related to immigration policies.

Share Personal Stories and Experiences: A powerful way to advocate for social issues is to share personal stories and experiences. Not everyone is fortunate enough to experience post-Christmas abundance. Maybe during a food drive, you spoke with a family or individual who was struggling with food insecurity. You’ve probably also volunteered at a homeless shelter handing out warm clothes and blankets. Talk about the people you met and the stories they shared with you. This will help humanize the issue and could inspire your family members to act.

Initiate Book or Movie Clubs with Advocacy Themes: Another practical way to spark meaningful conversations about advocacy is by initiating a book or movie club focusing on social inequity. Select books or movies that shed light on relevant topics such as gender inequality, racial profiling, LGBTQIA+ phobias, human trafficking, and more. Gather your family and friends for a discussion after reading a book or watching a movie. This can help create a safe space for open dialogue and encourage critical thinking.

 

Infusing Love in Conflict

Conflict is a part of every relationship. You may find that your friends and family do not share the same views or beliefs as you, and having conversations with them can be stressful. Sometimes a simple misunderstanding can turn into a resentment that will fracture a relationship. Connecting with your loved ones and cultivating deeper relationships built on trust and open communication is essential.

Here are a few tips for fostering meaningful conversations with family and friends that might not share the same views as you:

Set Aside Time to Talk Without Distractions: You can’t have a connected conversation if you are distracted. Turn off the television, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and find a quiet space to sit and connect. You will be more likely to cultivate understanding in an environment free from all the little interruptions.

Actively Listen: When you listen, seek to understand rather than respond. By listening to what the other person has to say without trying to plead your case, you engage in meaningful conversation. This also allows you to give a safe space to others to communicate their point of view that they may not have elsewhere.

Respect Different Opinions: If everyone had the same opinion, the world would be a boring place. You can think and feel differently about something and still maintain respect and open dialogue with others. When you practice being respectful of differing opinions, you build trust in relationships and open your mind to new ideas.

Share Resources and Information: Learning more about the topic being discussed helps both parties. If it is an issue that matters to you, come to the conversation with information that the other person might not have considered. Offer resources from agencies that focus on the causes that are important to you and let your loved one consider this information on their own.

 

As we wrap up the holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas – the giving of love and compassion. While it may be easy to get caught up in the rush of gift shopping and festive parties, remember that this time of year holds so much potential for positively impacting our communities and personal relationships.

My heart is deeply committed to helping churches not only express love but to do so courageously. Courageous love extends its arms to the marginalized, projects a voice for the voiceless, and relentlessly advocates for justice. It is a love that dares to change the world and dares to invite others to join the mission.

I invite you to my upcoming seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success: An Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®” on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, between 10:00-11:30 am MT or Noon-1:30 pm ET. This 90-minute online seminar is free and designed for you if you wish your leadership could make a tangible difference for the church, your community, and the Kingdom of God.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Social Impact and Advent: The Joy in Storytelling

Social Impact and Advent: The Joy in Storytelling

The holidays are a time to reflect, create memories, and focus on what God has done in our lives. As we search for Advent joy, it’s helpful to share our stories about how Jesus has impacted us through our work and service. Stories of change are individual and communal narratives that showcase positive transformations. They often depict a journey from struggle to hope, progress, or success brought about by individual or group actions, efforts, or initiatives. These stories revolve around social, environmental, economic, or educational reform efforts and offer firsthand accounts of how initiatives and people have significantly improved the lives of individuals or communities.

Whether about a young person organizing a protest, a group coming together to overhaul a rundown park, or a change in government policy that benefits marginalized populations, social impact stories showcase people doing good in the world. These stories of social impact provide detailed insight into inspiring works that cultivate joy in the lives of the people involved. Let’s look at some practical ways sharing joy in your story can have a social impact during Advent, and beyond.

 

Storytelling as a Means of Sharing Joy

Storytelling has always been powerful, creating deep human connection. In today’s world, storytelling can play a crucial role in catalyzing transformation. When joy seems elusive, the inspiration of your positive experience can shift the perspective from the negative.

Think about what compels you on social media – chances are that the stories that make you pause are those of people making a difference. Whether watching a viral video of an individual overcoming adversity or reading about a campaign for change that resonates with your beliefs, storytelling can inspire and motivate people toward positive action.

Here are some practical ways you can share stories that bring joy:

 

1) Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to share joy. When you put positive content into the world, you allow the opportunity for others to share in something bigger.  

Film a video or write a post detailing a story of joy that resonates with you. Social media is perfect for sharing the small joys of your life with the people in your network. Ever notice how many “likes” a new baby photo or a birthday post get?  People want to celebrate. They want to experience your joy with you!

Even sharing a story about the beauty of something as simple as a winter sunrise will inspire others to look beyond the daily negative noise. You can shift the perceptions of others by highlighting joy in the world around you.

 

2) Blogs or Websites: You can be the change you wish to see in the world, and websites like Medium or WordPress are great platforms for this kind of sharing. Detailed writing about a topic that is inspiring allows you to connect on an emotional level in a digital age. Include pictures and videos to make your story more engaging.

If you’re writing about a project that you’re working on for social change, invite others to join you.  You can’t make the world a better place alone; share the work… and the joy!

 

3) Church Gatherings: Tell your story at church gatherings or meetings. When you share your spiritual journey with others, you connect with joy. Sharing can be as formal as a presentation or speech, or as casual as a random conversation. 

Remember, the goal is not just to tell your own story but also to inspire others to offer their unique stories of joy.  Your storytelling should always include listening to the journeys of others. Spirituality manifests itself in astounding ways. For some, communing with nature brings the most joy; for others, the spiritual path means working to help pass legislation to protect those very same resources.  The main objective is to spread positive action and experience.

 

Advent, Social Impact & Joy

Social impact is a powerful force that can transform lives and communities. It is the collective effort of individuals to address unjust societal issues like homelessness and gun violence. To promote equality in the workplace and in our communities. To make practical changes for the environment and for future generations. Through acts of kindness, advocacy, and philanthropy, you can be the impact that inspires others to join the cause and create meaningful change. 

You all possess a remarkable tool to ignite change, uplift spirits, and bring happiness: your unique stories. By sharing your experiences, you have the power to ignite a chain reaction of joy and social impact that extends far beyond your immediate circle.  If you’re not sharing your stories now, what better time to get started then during the season of Advent!

With that in mind, I invite you to my upcoming seminar, “How Christian Ministries Achieve Success: An Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®.” During our time together, I will offer practical strategies for sharing your impactful story and contributing to a culture of renewal in your community.

Together, let’s write the next chapter of our stories of social impact.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Advent, Advocacy, and Engagement: A Path to Peace

Advent, Advocacy, and Engagement: A Path to Peace

As human beings, we strive for peace. The yearning for peace resonates within individuals, communities, nations, and the global community. Yet, pursuing lasting peace is a formidable endeavor, constantly disrupted by war, conflict, violence, and injustice. Nevertheless, the church is called to advocate for peace and to seek reconciliation.

 

Understanding Advent and its Significance in Relation to Peace

Advent, a cherished season in the Christian faith, symbolizes the anticipation and preparation for Jesus Christ’s birth. During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, believers worldwide light candles, engage in special services and contemplate the arrival of Christ. This time allows us to center our thoughts on peace—a virtue that Jesus exemplified throughout his life.

While Advent practices may differ geographically and among denominations, the central message of the season remains unchanged: the birth of Jesus was a profound event that forever transformed the world. As we anticipate the joy of Christmas, let us remember that this season’s true essence lies in its profound influence on our lives – peace.

 

The Role of Advocacy in Promoting Peace and Unity

Advocacy is critical in promoting peace and unity across communities and nations. When we advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially the oppressed, we create a space where differences can be embraced and celebrated rather than feared or rejected.

Advocates strive to build bridges between different communities, encouraging a sense of openness and respect, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and harmonious world. Whether advocating for policy change, mobilizing communities, or simply amplifying voices that are often silenced, the role of advocacy in promoting peace and unity cannot be overstated, especially throughout Advent.

 

Creative Ways for Churches to Engage with Their Communities During Advent

Advent is a special time of year when many churches find innovative ways to connect with their community members. From virtual Advent calendars to drive-through nativity scenes to caroling, and more, churches offer unique ways to engage the community. By embracing creativity and adapting to the times, churches are proving that the spirit of Christmas cannot be contained. Engaging with the community during this season is not only a way to spread the message of peace and goodwill but also an opportunity for churches to demonstrate their commitment to advocating for peace. Brainstorm with your church and community leaders to come up with creative ways you can advocate together for peace.

Here are some ways your church can begin to engage in the work of advocacy during Advent:

  • Host a fundraiser for a peace-focused organization or charity that aligns with the church’s values.
  • Organize a prayer vigil for peace in the local community or for global conflicts.
  • Partner with other churches, synagogues, mosques, and faith-based organizations to host an interfaith dialogue on promoting peace and unity.
  • Encourage members to use their social media platforms to educate others about issues related to peace and to advocate for change.
  • Host a book club or discussion group that addresses inequality and injustice.
  • Collaborate with community leaders and organizations to host workshops on conflict resolution and peaceful communication strategies.

There are a variety of ways that churches can engage in the work of advocacy during Advent, and these are just a few examples. The important thing is to find what works best for your church and community, keeping in mind that advocating for peace is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort and dedication. Though you may embark on the journey during Advent, for lasting change, it will continue throughout the year and beyond.

Peace is not merely a desired state of existence but an active pursuit that demands our relentless commitment. For pastors, it may feel like an uphill battle given the complexities of the world we live in today. There may be times when the responsibility of leading your church to advocacy can feel immense, the challenges insurmountable, and discouragement creeps in. However, during these moments of vulnerability, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith, hope, and unity.

If you are a pastor grappling with the complexities of fostering peace and unity in your community, remember that you are not alone. I invite you to connect with me. I am committed to walking alongside you, offering support, sharing resources, and celebrating every stride towards peace. Advocacy work can be complicated and sometimes overwhelming, but with the collective efforts of individuals like you, peace becomes possible. I love helping individuals and communities find creative, meaningful ways to do advocacy work.

Together, let’s strive to illuminate the world with the beacon of peace this Advent and beyond.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Putting the Hope of Advent Into Action

Putting the Hope of Advent Into Action

Hope is the theme of the first Sunday in Advent. But hope is more than a hymn to be sung, a scripture to be read, or a candle to be lit. In the Christian world, hope is definitely more than thinking. Hope is an action word. Hope is living as if the world is already set right. Pope Francis said “Advent is a journey toward the horizon of hope.”

As we navigate a constantly changing world, many people find themselves looking for ways to make a difference. One way to contribute to the greater good is by promoting justice and equality in the spaces you influence. Think about how you can broaden your team. Use your voice to speak up and challenge the status quo. In doing so, you effectively create hope in the lives of those around you. While the task may seem daunting, there are many different ways to work toward a more just world. Whether you volunteer, donate, attend community events, or engage in advocacy work, every action counts. By coming together and taking individual steps to create a more equitable society, we can all play a part in creating a better future for ourselves and future generations. This is putting the hope of Advent into action.

In the coming weeks, I will share a series of posts that delve into the connections between Advent’s four powerful themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, and their resonance with working for God’s reign here on earth. I will explore the intersection of Hope and social justice, delve into the influence of Peace on advocacy and church involvement, uncover stories of social impact and community engagement that embody Joy, and culminate with lessons and inspirations driven by Love, encouraging continued advocacy.

Connecting Advent to Social Justice

Christmas is not merely a season of festivities, gift-giving, and merriment. It also carries a profound message of social justice. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of his humble beginnings and connection with the poor and marginalized.

Advent also tells the story of the shepherds, who were among the first to hear the good news of Jesus’s birth. This is a powerful reminder of God’s inclusive love. As social outcasts at the time, the shepherds highlight that God’s love extends to all people, regardless of their social status.

Jesus and his family were Jewish refugees on the run from Herod. Their safety depended on their relative invisibility. But these days, for many people facing homelessness, invisibility is a death sentence. Increasing numbers of people don’t have homes due to struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and increasing inflation. When we choose not to see these individuals as people, we lose our own humanity as well.

 

Hope in Action

In a world where injustice persists, finding hope can seem elusive. Choose one area where you would like to see a difference. Here are four practical ways you can take actions that inspire hope:

  1. See each person as significant. Befriend someone you might not normally notice or whose presence you might normally dismiss. Over the years I have befriended many people experiencing homelessness. I have gotten to know their stories, found out where they came from, and discovered ways to support them directly. By hearing others’ stories and recognizing their experiences, they not only become more visible to you but they become a part of your spiritual connection to the world. Within this connection you can promote their rights and contribute to a more just society.
  2. Educate yourself. Take the time to learn about the root causes of social inequities. Why do some people have food, homes, and regular paychecks, while others don’t? By understanding the issues, you can contribute to meaningful conversations and support informed solutions. Talk to those whom social inequities have directly impacted and listen to their stories. When I lived in Denver I regularly purchased The Denver VOICE from vendors who were homeless. This gave me the opportunity to learn from individuals who faced homelessness directly and how to best support them.
  3. Advocate for change. I was recently in Atlanta and witnessed a large amount of people on curbsides and under bridges with seemingly no place to go. I didn’t stop with lifting up a prayer. I called the mayor and a US Senator to see what their plans were for getting people off the streets. Here at home, the church I attend has been advocating for change at a very local level. Instead of wondering what to do about the large homeless population that congregate around the church, they have taken action. By partnering with health providers in the area, they offer healthcare services twice a month to those who otherwise would likely not receive the care they need. Use your voice to raise awareness. Then, take action toward social equity in your community.
  4. Engage in volunteering. Don’t just think or talk about it, live it. By actively participating, you make a tangible impact and inspire hope. Where can you serve this year that you haven’t before? Many Creating a Culture of Renewal® participants craft visions with their churches that are inspired by hope in action to revitalize their communities. I recently spoke with two current participants who run the only warming shelter in their county. The need is great as an increasing number of people are experiencing homelessness. However, due to a lack of volunteers, the project has been put on hold until January 1, 2024. I am sure that many non-profits can use your help.

As you enter this Advent season that celebrates the joy of light and hope in darkness, it’s time to turn hope into an action word. You can make meaningful impacts in your community. No, you can’t change the whole world this Advent. And you don’t need to try. Instead, choose one area and start by challenging yourself and those around you to live with greater compassion and empathy.

To help equip you on those journeys, make an appointment with me to discuss engaging more fully in Advent. May the beauty of this holy time be profoundly transformative as we increase our awareness and raise the call for justice!

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Avoiding Burnout During the Holiday Season

Avoiding Burnout During the Holiday Season

Clergy are entrusted with the spiritual guidance and support of their communities. Ironically, with increased demands at the holidays your own well-being and family can get left out. The pressure to meet the needs of the congregation, prepare special services, provide emotional support, and make the season feel spiritually significant is overwhelming. This leads to fatigue, stress, and even burnout. Unfortunately, when you neglect your own self-care, it hinders your capacity to make a positive impact.

Self-care and family time are not personal luxuries. They are essential for effective spiritual leadership. While congregations and communities should be mindful of the toll the holiday season can take on spiritual leaders, leaders must make self-care and family non-negotiable. In this week’s blog, I explore how to avoid burnout during the holiday season.

 

Avoiding Burnout: Establish Healthy Boundaries

Leaders who are successful at achieving a healthy work-life balance set and maintain boundaries. By setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, you prevent burnout and stay enthusiastic in your ministry. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to serve others better.

Here are some tips to help you establish healthy boundaries between your professional and personal life:

  1. Clearly define your workspace. The pandemic saw us all have an ever-increasing amount of work coming home. A dedicated workspace can help create a physical and mental separation between work and home life. This will define a clear distinction between work time and personal time.
  2. Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. Take time for your favorite hobbies, cherish moments with your loved ones, and take adequate breaks to rejuvenate yourself.
  3. Learn to say no. Don’t take on more than you can handle. Prioritize your commitments. Learn to delegate to others so that all the work doesn’t fall on your shoulders.

 

Avoiding Burnout: Communicate Your Needs

Leaders must communicate openly and honestly about their needs to the personnel committee during the holiday season. This is not about complaining but informing them about family commitments, just like everyone else. By doing so, you are setting a healthy example for them to follow.

Here are some tips to help you communicate your needs to those around you:

  1. Communicate your availability to those around you. Avoid taking work-related calls, text messages, or emails outside these designated hours. Clearly define your work hours and stick to them.
  2. Let others know your limitations. You are human and have personal needs. By communicating to those around you where you need assistance, it allows them to know where they can help and cements spiritual community and belonging.
  3. Communicate the importance of self-care and work-life balance. Educate your community about how this makes you more present and effective in your ministry. Encourage them to join you in this practice. Set an example and incorporate it into your sermons and teachings.

 

Avoiding Burnout: Nurture Your Spirituality

Amidst the busy holiday season, it may be tempting to prioritize doing over being. However, nurturing and maintaining spiritual grounding is vital for your well-being. It allows you to step away from the demands of ministry and connect with a deeper sense of support and understanding.

Here are some tips to help you nurture your spirituality:

  1. Spend quiet time with God. By finding the inner strength in these moments, you will be better equipped to support others. Cultivating this relationship will refresh your spirit during a season that has many external demands.
  2. Immerse yourself in the hymns of the season. There are so many rich and meaningful hymns to help you reflect on your personal journey of celebration. Allow the message of these praises to build your spiritual grounding.
  3. Practice Centering Prayer. Finding your own deep connection to love and faith to God will guide you to the support and intention to be in God’s presence. This will open divine action inside yourself and allow you to better serve those around you.

Next Steps

Embracing a holistic approach to ministry is crucial for clergy. Avoid burnout during the holiday season by establishing healthy boundaries, communicating your needs, and nurturing your spirituality. In this way you can achieve a more harmonious and gratifying holiday season while staying true to your spiritual calling.

Go ahead, be selfish. Remember that these steps are not only beneficial for you but for the communities you serve. By prioritizing your well-being, ensure that you can continue to fulfill your sacred duty to guide and support others. Your congregations and communities will thank you for it.

If you’re a leader feeling the weight of this season, know that you are not alone. It’s okay to seek help, to ask for support, and to prioritize your well-being. Here’s my invitation to you. I invite you to reach out to schedule a one-on-one with my team. You don’t have to navigate this journey on your own. Even leaders need help, particularly during the holiday season. Burnout not required!

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

No Christmas is Perfect and That’s Okay

No Christmas is Perfect and That’s Okay

It’s easy to view the Christmas story through rose-colored glasses: Joseph and Mary and Jesus, all cozy in the manger, surrounded by an adoring crowd. Wise men and shepherds, angels and a star.

It’s the stuff of Hollywood!

These picturesque scenes are emblazoned on Christmas cards the world over.

But the truth is no Christmas is perfect. Not even the original one.

And that’s okay.

The real Christmas story is filled with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Mary was a young teenage girl expecting a child.

Joseph, her intended, wasn’t the biological father.

He had to decide whether or not to turn Mary and her baby away, or to accept the mother as his wife, and the child as his own.

All of this is the backdrop of Jesus’ birth into the world.

That’s enough to put anyone in therapy!

Yet, despite all the obstacles they faced—from Mary’s labor beginning while in Bethlehem to finding no room at even the most humble inn—Mary and Joseph’s story demonstrates that imperfection is part of life.

In fact, it’s the imperfections that make things so memorable.

If Mary and Joseph had found the light on at a Motel Six, staffed by a smiling innkeeper who offered them warm cookies and bottled water, we might not love or remember the story as much.

Today I want to share four steps to embracing imperfection during the holidays.

These four steps can reduce stress,  bring you closer to God, and make your Christmas celebrations even more meaningful.

 

Step 1: Embrace the Imperfection

The first step to embracing imperfection is recognizing that no Christmas is perfect.

Not the first Christmas.

And not the Christmas at your church or in your community this year.

Yes, it’s tempting to aim for a “perfect” Christmas experience for your church members.

But remember that perfection will generally be out of reach.

Instead, let your church focus on embracing imperfection by celebrating what makes each of your people unique.

This means accepting messiness and chaos.

Strangely enough, the more you accept the imperfect, the more you’ll be able to experience joy and peace as well.

I am not saying go out of your way to create mess or chaos.

Just don’t resist it if it comes.

Instead, watch for the good that can come from it.

God can do more with us when we’re willing to see disruptions as blessings rather than as burdens.

 

Step 2: Stay Adaptable

The more adaptable and fluid you are, the more God can work through your church and community.

Consider Mary and Joseph’s story.

Can you imagine being pregnant on the road and trying to find someplace that has room, let alone someplace that can facilitate the birth of a child?

Yet, despite having very few resources, these two were able to find a safe place for Mary to give birth.

Now think about the great things that have happened in your church in the last 10 years. Or even the last 2 years.

Most of these things were birthed by staying adaptable so you could realize your mission.

Think about how churches went from no online presence to full-on TV production in a matter of weeks.

Adaptability is God’s wheelhouse!

Jesus entering the world did not require massive funding, special line items in the budget, stage and light equipment, or a strategically placed physical campus.

If that’s the case for the Savior of the world, imagine what God can create when you stay adaptable…even on a shoestring budget.

 

Step 3: Surrender and Trust

The story of Mary and Joseph is also a reminder to surrender ourselves to God.

Even when it made no sense to either of them, both Mary and Joseph operated with surrender and trust.

Mary said yes to the angel’s message that announced Jesus’ conception.

Joseph said yes to Mary and her baby.

Both of them said yes to the trip to Bethlehem, and yes to the manger.

Even when times were uncertain, they trusted God’s leading.

The payoff is that this journey of trusting yesses led them to witness some of the most miraculous events in history.

In the same way, surrendering your expectations and plans in order to say yes to God can bring about miracles.

Even if surrender doesn’t make sense to you initially.

In fact, this idea of surrender has always been at the core of my ministry and work.

I have longed for people to embrace the dreams that God has for them.

This is why I wrote Dream Like Jesus.

I believe God has given us all extraordinary dreams, but too often, we are so caught up in our expectations that we forget to surrender it all to God and simply follow.

I believe that by surrendering and trust we too can experience miracles that bring meaning and joy to our lives.

This Christmas season, let us remember the excellent example set by Mary and Joseph—and embrace imperfection as part of life.

 

Step 4: Remember God’s Grace and Mercy

Finally, remember that God’s grace and mercy is what strengthens us to endure difficult times.

Christmas is a reminder of this—that no matter the obstacles we face, God is always with us, and God will guide us through.

Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the expectations of perfection this holiday season, remember that imperfection does not mean giving up—it means surrendering and trusting God.

Invite God into your holiday celebration and allow love to fill your heart with peace and joy.

By doing so, your church can foster an environment where differences are celebrated, imperfection brings blessing, adaptability is faster, and surrender makes way for miracles.

You are creating a welcoming place for once-a-year guests as well as year-round worshipers to find peace in a hectic world.

May your Christmas be filled with the peace of imperfection.

To discover more about how to co-create miracles with God, join the many leaders who are Creating a Culture of Renewal®.

 

Copyright © 2022 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.