Finding Hope at Christmas for Each Enneagram Type

Whether we feel prepared or not, Christmas is upon us. If you’re anything like me, Christmas kind of sneaks up on me. Every. Single. Year. But if we’re honest, this year is different, isn’t it? This year has been unlike any other and for many of us Christmas just looks different. For some, we’re not traveling, or seeing family, or buying as many gifts, or even working. So how do you and I find hope this Christmas?

The short answer? The same way we always have. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I cling to that when life feels out of control, and I’m betting you do too. But for those of us who know our Enneagram types, you’ll know that each type has a unique set of motivations, fears, and needs - and finding hope may look a little different to each of us. If you’ve been wondering how you can leverage the self-awareness that comes with using the Enneagram with finding hope this Christmas, then I’ve got you covered with some suggestions.

Type 1, The Reformer

Type 1s are motivated by being good and see the world through a lens of improving all things. This starts with themselves, and then moves out to others and the world around them. Type 1s can choose hope by resting in the truth that God sees them as good just the way they are - no improving is needed.

Type 2, The Helper

Type 2 are called the Helper for a good reason. They each have this automatic radar where they can see needs and move into action to help. But sometimes, the need to help and be needed by others can be overdone where type 2s rely on helping others to feel valued and loved. Choosing hope this Christmas for type 2s starts with resting in the truth that they are loved for being who they are not for how they help those of us around them.

Type 3s, The Achiever

Our type 3 friends see the world through efficiency, checking off their to-do lists, and well getting things done. At their best, they inspire all of us to dream big goals and achieve the things that will make life better. For type 3s, this achieving can turn into feeling like they are loved for what they do. Choosing hope involves resting in the truth that God and others love them for who they are and not what they get done.

Type 4s, The Individualist

Our type 4 friends are naturally authentic, and inspire all of us to connect with our feelings and become our truest selves. Type 4s can focus on what’s missing and belonging and choosing for hope for them includes resting in the truth that their uniqueness shines and that they are seen, loved, and belong for who they are.

Type 5s, The Investigator

Type 5s excel and thinking through ideas and concepts and challenging us all to think outside the box while they easily apply wisdom and knowledge to everyday life. For type 5s, choosing hope includes resting in the truth that their needs are not a problem and that God will provide for them when there is not enough.

Type 6s, The Loyalist

Type 6s are called the loyalists for their deep connection with their people and their desire to support them. They make great problem solvers and team players. Finding hope for type 6s includes resting in the truth that God will keep them safe and secure even when fear is rising.

Type 7, The Enthusiast

Our type 7 friends are filled with fun, adventure, and what’s next. When these strengths are overdone, they tend to be quick movers who don’t stay present long enough to process what’s happening for them on the inside. Finding hope for type 7s includes resting in the truth that while it may feel like they won’t be taken care of, God is always at work taking care of them.

Type 8s, The Protector

Our type 8 friends are natural protectors as they show up with strength and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. This strength overdone can cause them to avoid being vulnerable with others and moving forward with an intensity that can leave other types behind. Finding hope for type 8s includes resting in the the truth that strength comes from being who God made them to be.

Type 9s, The Peacemaker

Type 9s are accepting, non-judgmental, and can see all sides to an argument which makes them great mediators. They strive for peace and harmony in all things which means that sometimes they can fall asleep to their own thoughts, feelings and desires. Type 9s can choose peace by resting in the truth that their presence, including their thoughts and feeling matters to God and those of us who love them.

Finding hope at Christmas is about a choice. We get to choose to pursue hope. We get to choose to believe that God makes all things possible. We get to choose to believe that God with us matters today and everyday going forward. How are you choosing hope this Christmas season?