Christmas was Never Perfect | How To Find Christmas Joy Outside the Ideal (Christmas Vacation)
What do you do when your Christmas isn’t perfect?
Shouldn’t Christmas be perfect? Presents under the tree, stockings by the fireplace, family you actually like being around…the problem is, all those things you see in the movies rarely happen in real life. This week, Brian Tome shows us how Clark Griswold’s pursuit of a perfect Christmas in the classic, Christmas Vacation, mirrors what a lot of us are looking for in the Christmas season. The only problem is: the first Christmas wasn’t perfect to begin with. Join us as we learn about a God who makes perfection out of chaos.
Recorded live at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Process, journal or discuss the themes of this article - here's a few questions to get the ball rolling...
Welcome to the Weekend-Follow Up! This is content that reflects on the Weekend message and how it can apply to your life. Each week, your group will discover what God might be saying to you, and how you can respond through a group discussion.
When you were young, what made Christmas special for you?
What stood out to you most from the message?
Clark Griswold tried to create the perfect Christmas. If you could have your perfect Christmas now, who would be there? What would happen–or not happen?
Think about a recent time you had high expectations. Did it cause stress or disappointment with the people around you or within yourself?
How does your drive for connecting with God compare to your drive preparing for Christmas? How can one seem easier than the other?
Read Luke 2:1-7.
Not even Mary and Joseph had the perfect Christmas. How have you had to set aside expectations during the holidays?
Where could you use more grace this Christmas?
What’s one step you can take this week to stop chasing perfection and lean into God’s grace?
Let’s end our time praying together. You can say something like;
“God, we recognize that when you sent your son, it was messy and not perfect–but he is perfect. Help us establish expectations you desire, and to keep our focus on Jesus, who is full of power and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
More from the Weekend
Bonus Questions
Check these out if you’re on a roll and want to go a little deeper.
- Read Matthew 5:48. When you read this verse, what is your first reaction? How can you allow Jesus to become the Savior of your life more this season?
- What do the days after Christmas tend to look like for you?
That’s it for this week - see you next time!
Dec 21, 2025 • 1 hr 8 mins 8 sec
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