Looking back on a previous tough event or a challenging period in your life, how would you do things differently now having learned to focus on God and God’s attributes first?

What are the potential hinderances for you to have faith in God, to trust in His sovereignty, and to lean on His grace?

Please take a few minutes with a Christian family member or friend and prayerfully consider the following reflection questions.

1) Do you have a friend or family member who is especially vulnerable this Christmas season because of family separation or illness-­induced loneliness?

2) If so, take a few moments and think of a way to share with them how Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to their loneliness. First pray — asking the Holy Spirit to empower you — and then share Jesus’ comfort with them.

Does the reality of Christ's coming for his church excite or depress you? Are your "bags packed" so to speak, or does your life just consist of an endless succession of days without any ultimate meaning? Talk with a trusted Christian friend about your hopes and fears and about what the future holds for you.