“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
The Grinch
The world would like for us to believe that Christmas is just about the gifts, decorations, and events, but it’s so much more than that! The Grinch has been my favorite Christmas movie for as long as I can remember! It shows us that love is the reason behind the gifts and that Christmas comes with or without the “stuff”. Even though everything was taken, the Who’s still gather together and sing. They like the “stuff”, but it’s not the real reason behind the season. It’s not what brings them together. Love is what truly binds them and it’s why they celebrate!
If you look up the word love in the dictionary there are many different meanings for it in the English language. Just think about how many times a day you use the word love…if you’re like me, it’s a lot! I say, “I love you” to my husband and girls, I love those boots, I love that idea, and these are just a few ways I use the word love each day. Other languages use different words to describe the various emotions behind the word Love. So why do we only have one? It sounds complicated, and it can be, that depends on your perspective. So, I turn to the only real truth I know, God & His word. That’s where we can find our answers about authentic love!
The Bible says that we are loved unconditionally by God! Unconditionally…have you ever loved someone who didn’t make it easy? They were hurtful or turned away from you. That’s really hard, but God does that for each one of us! It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around it. It makes me want to weep because I’m not worthy and rejoice because He says that I am!!! Finally, a truly safe place, I don’t have to measure up, I just need to be me. That lifts so much weight off of me when I remember that is why Jesus came to Earth and died for our sins… for my sins. That is sacrifice, that is true love. So, when you find yourself depressed or stressed this Christmas season, take a few minutes to let God speak to your heart and show you how much He truly loves you!
Christmas is a time to remember that God sent His only son to Earth as a baby so that He could save us! That’s a major sacrifice!!! Then, Jesus chose to and sacrifice himself on the cross for our sins. There’s not another true love like that! Let’s keep that our focus. When we start to realize how much we are loved, we start living from a foundation of love, then we can share that love with others. You can’t give what you don’t have. Do you spend time with God daily? It radically changed my life when I made daily time for prayer and Bible study a priority. Try that this week. I know, it’s a busy week, but it will be worth it! If you need help getting started, click here to see some recommendations. I hope this encourages you and that you have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Love, Christin