Things that are unknown, things in the shadows, things that appear fierce and ferocious, things that are large and powerful – these things can make us feel overwhelmed. But how often are those things we fear really not nearly as large, powerful, or scary as we believed them to be?

Remember playing Monopoly? Were you crushed when you got the card that said “Do not pass GO”? In the book of Acts, Paul talks to some disciples who don’t understand what happened when they were baptized. They think they’re done — ready to pass GO. He tells them baptism is only the beginning of living a new life in Christ.

What guides you through the darkest night? Is it a star? Long ago, wise men followed an unusually bright star to a surprise ending in Bethlehem that was really just the beginning of changing the world through love.

The classic film starring Judy Garland was a huge hit in 1944. “Meet Me in St. Louis” revolves around multiple love stories. It’s a good reminder that each of us should be continually thinking and acting out of love. Good works and good intentions come to nothing unless they are based in love.

George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of George’s good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget suicide?

This classic movie might make you think about how different the world would be if Jesus never existed. Think about how different you would be if nobody ever told you about Christ and hope for the world.

Don’t let the Grinches in your life steal your Christmas joy. Surprise them with a healthy dose of grace and maybe their hearts will grow!

Every human has times of feeling alone and unloved. This pandemic year has magnified that feeling for a lot of us. Sometimes we may even doubt God’s love. The best way we can ensure we aren’t lonely is by focusing on making sure that others aren’t lonely.