Love: Seeking welfare of others and opportunity to do good to others. (John 13:35)
“By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In just a few days we will be celebrating together the greatest gift of love we will ever know! The day Jesus was born! The day God put Himself into a helpless, little infant body to save the world!
Maybe your celebrations have already begun! Decorating, baking cookies, shopping and just spending time with those you love. Our homes are filled with warmth as the tree lights flicker in the evening. Laughter and conversation fill the dinner table. Christmas IS about LOVE and worth celebrating with those we hold dear to us.
What is your favorite part about Christmas? Mine has changed as I got older. When I grew up Christmas was filled with LOTS of gifts. I realized as I got older that was how my parents showed love. That also became my love language.
When I got married and had a two year old and one on the way, my husband lost his job during the 90’s recession. He was out of work for a year. This was the most humbling experience, and at the same time, the most blessed. WE learned a lot about ourselves and experienced a ton of God’s incredible love and provision. I also learned how important gifts had become to me. The question haunted me: “What if I could not give my family gifts under the tree at Christmas? I was devastated since we didn’t have much money for buying presents! God used this time to show me that gifts aren’t the only way to show love, though I had so much emphasis placed on gift-giving as a child. I have been forever changed and relieved actually!
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love giving gifts, but it is no longer a “have to.” Now that our boys are grown and have their own families, my greatest gift is just time with them. I could care less about gifts, as long as I can see them, hear about them, laugh with them and just love on them! That has become my greatest gift.
Isn’t that what God gave us? The gift of Himself. That is the greatest gift we can give others, the gift of sharing ourselves and loving one another. May you feel His love greatly this season and may you share it freely! God bless you and keep you, friends!
One request: Take five minutes or more if you have the time and just think about each person in your family. Ask this question as you consider each one: How can I best show ___ (name) _______ my love and God’s love this season? Now, set about doing that and share the love you have in your heart with those closest to you!