Christmas comes every year. So, how can we make this year different? How can we make this our best Christmas yet? Well – here’s a hint: It’s not just about the gifts you receive and give. You do it every year, and you probably can’t even remember what you received or gave for Christmas two years ago. It is not about the food, the football games, the shopping, the lights, and all the other things we add to our already busy schedule this time of year.
It is about one thing…
Love! That’s right. If you fall more in love with God and others this Christmas, then you will have your best Christmas yet. Why? Because love is the most important thing to God and love lasts forever. Jesus said in Matthew 22:34-40, that the most important commandment is to, ”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all mind and with all your strength.” Then, He said, “the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’” So, if we grow in our love, then we will have a great Christmas!
At church, we are in this series called, The Language of Christmas. And, what we see is that the language of Christmas is love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” And, what did God give? His one and only Son! Now, that is real love!
Gary Chapman, in his book The 5 Love Languages, outlines five ways we give and receive love. Physical Touch Words of Affirmation Quality Time Acts of Service Giving of Gifts
This Christmas, identify how you give and receive love. Then, identify how the people around you give and receive love. Figure out how you can love the people around you in a way that they will receive your love. Go on a mission this Christmas to truly love well.
You know, God loves us in each of these five ways. How awesome! So, determine to love God back in all of these ways this Christmas. Spend time with Him this week. Feel His love and embrace. Serve Him by serving others (Matthew 25). Worship Him and pray. Speak words of thankfulness back to Him as He rejoices over you with singing. And, give back to Him. Whether it’s our red envelope, giving wall, or even your heart.
This Christmas, it doesn’t matter if you have the perfect Pinterest Christmas, if you get the gift you really want, if your kids like everything, if your cookies turn out great, and if everything goes like a movie script. What does matter is if you love. Your best Christmas yet will be if you grow in your love for God and your love for others. Because Christmas is all about love. God loves you!
Merry CHRISTmas!