Dec. 18, 2022

“TIS THE SEASON”

“THE EMPTY CHAIR”

LUKE 2:10,14

Luke 2:10 “Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Why is Christmas so hard?

So Christmas can be really hard as you gather with the family that remains. So what do you do?

1.   Give Yourself A Break

What will allow you the the ability to experience joy and peace?

1 Corinthians 13:4-6

2.   Start A New Tradition

3.   Surround Yourself With The Right People.

Romans 12:15-16 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

4.   Go To God For Your Comfort

“Suffering is a part of the human condition and it comes to us all. The key is how we react to it, either turning away from God in anger and bitterness or growing closer to Him in trust and confidence.” Billy Graham

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

“Comfort”- help carry the load

What if the empty chair represents the presence of God!

Where will you turn for relief?

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”