LOVE IS WHY WE CELEBRATE…
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
This Christmas, I want you to remember one very important thing. It's the reason we celebrate . . . the point of it all.
It's all about love.
Love is why I sent my Son. Love is what covered Mary and Joseph. Love is what surrounded the shepherds. Love is what guided the wise men.
Love was the guiding force for Jesus' perfect life.
Love is why He faced the cross.
Love was the reason for His sacrifice.
Love for you.
Love for humanity.
That is what we celebrate every day . . . and especially each Christmas season.
It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement and expectation of Christmas. The shopping, decorating, baking, and preparing. What will you do for your family? When will you see your friends? It can get overwhelming. And sadly, the very people we love and cherish are the ones who get lost in the hustle of it all.
Don't forget these words . . .
If you decorate your house to perfection, complete with the picture-perfect set of Christmas lights, the flawless Christmas tree, and all the other impeccably placed items, but do not show love to your family, your decorations are worthless to me.
If you volunteer at the local shelter, work overtime at your church, or give extra gifts to your local charity, but do not show love to your neighbor, your giving means nothing to me.
If you slave away in your kitchen, baking all the wonderful treats and gourmet meals your family has come to love, but harbor bitterness in your heart, your service is a waste to me.
If you buy all the right gifts, showering those around you with glimmering, glittering toys and trinkets, but do it with a begrudging heart, what's the point?
Love sets aside the decorating to hug the child and ask them about their day.
Love stops the cooking to kiss the spouse and ask them what they really need right now.
Love takes the time to stop, breathe, and remember the reason for the season.
Love is patient, even when the world seems to be moving at break-neck speed.
Love is kind, even when others are not.
Love does not envy.
Love does not boast.
Love is not proud.
Love does not dishonor others.
Love is not self-seeking.
Love is not easily angered.
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
I never fail.
Remember that this Christmas.
— God
NEXT STEPS:
Do you sometimes struggle with the idea that Jesus really is God’s own Son? Read this article to find answers to some of the toughest questions as they relate to Jesus and His deity.
Do you have other questions about your faith? We have collected as many questions as we could, sorted them into groups, and written out answers. You can find them here.
Have you yet to give your life to Christ? Or maybe you have strayed away from Him. Turn to Him now. His grace and love is sufficient. Learn how here.