The 1970’s hit “Give love on Christmas Day,” is one of the most popular Christmas songs of my childhood. I was surprised to know that it was originally recorded by The Jackson 5, yet up to now, I know most of its lyrics by heart.
Like this song, we followers of Jesus are being called to spread love during this joyful holiday season. As we reflect on the meaning of the birth of our Savior, our hearts should all the more overflow with love and giving to others because this occasion paved the way for our redemption, reconciliation, and new life.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
So how do we practically give love this Christmas? Apart from material gifts, we Christians are called to share the kind of love that Jesus showed us.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
While the kind of love in the above passage may have a lot of meaning, our Lord Jesus Christ clearly points out to the kind of love that is sacrificial. He calls us to love others even if it hurts. He calls us to love our enemies and forgive those who have hurt us. He calls us to not think of ourselves highly than others. He calls us to lay down our pride and be humble. He calls us to give even if it hurts.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
In our present time, “laying down one’s life” for our loved ones and friends may translate to giving them our time. It means sacrificing our comfort and convenience for others. It means sharing what we have.
So to apply this practically, it means spending time with someone who may be feeling lonely this holiday season. It may also mean inviting someone to celebrate holidays with your family, knowing he or she may not have a family nearby. It may mean visiting someone sick or homebound. It may also mean accompanying someone in his medical check-up or errand. It could also be inviting someone to church and sharing the gospel with them.
Moreover, it may also mean mending ties with family and friends whom we may have cut off in the past. It could also mean bridging gaps for other people to reconcile. It could also mean refraining from saying insensitive (and possibly hurtful) comments during a reunion, or not participating in gossiping during parties.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
It takes effort, time, energy, and even money to give a non-tangible gift this Christmas, but it is certainly something the Lord will be pleased to see. And while our end goal should not be God’s reward, our Lord — in His generosity and lovingkindness, promises to never overlook such efforts that we do for other people.
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” Hebrews 6:10
And so, review your Christmas gift list, and ask yourself, does that person you are giving a gift to really need the material gift or would he or she be happier if you’d spend time with him or her this holiday season?
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Matthew 5:43-48 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How long is your Christmas gift list? Is there anyone there who may prefer spending time with you than receiving a tangible present from you?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, please help me to become more sensitive about other people’s emotional needs during this festive season when some may feel the so-called holiday blues. Please give me the confidence to help spread cheer, and your joy to them this Christmas season. Amen.
