How to Cope with the Unmet Expectations of Christmas

Unmet expectations are a given any time of the year, but they rule the roost at Christmas-time. Whether it's as light as buying your child the "wrong gift" or as heavy as dealing with the remnants of divorce, unmet expectations of Christmas usually leave lingering feelings of fear, doubt, and loneliness inside one's heart. Those don't have to be the only feelings though. There's still plenty of hope this Christmas season.

Below are three verses to hold tightly to while sailing a sea of fear, doubt, and loneliness:

Fear

If fear of the economy, fear of being purposeless, or fear of failure is an issue for you, rest assured that the Lord has not forgotten you. His love for you is never-ending, and He always has a purpose for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV)

Doubt

If doubt is a paralyzing force in your life, understand that God has bigger plans for us and that He has empowered us to not only to withstand doubt but extinguish doubt.

Mark 11:23 - Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.

Loneliness

Christmastime can be a lonely season sometimes, for a multitude of valid reasons. God knows this, and his Word helps remind us that it's okay to be alone, but we never have to be lonely.  God is always with us.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This year has been tough for many of us. Here some additional blog posts that will help encourage you. Remember, don't let fear, doubt or loneliness be part of your Christmas. Hold on to these scriptures. Allow them to serve you as a reminder that God is always with you.