Christmas is the one time each year all over the world that attention is paid to the story of Christ coming to earth. It is ultimately a story of sacrifice and love. It is because He came into the world that we understand grace, mercy, and unconditional love. It is because He came into the world to die, be raised and give us redemption that we find peace and joy no matter the circumstances.

Christmas time is a painful time for many. It holds memories of those who have passed as well as those that have left our lives. Many have horrible memories of the holidays with stressful family times. We end up sitting next to someone at the dinner table we would not have in our lives if they were not related. We have uncomfortable conversations about topics we usually avoid.

Christmas time is stressful with all of the long To-Do lists. Decorating, Christmas shopping, wrapping, Church programs, card writing, cooking, traveling, etc.! It is a tough time of year!

Keep The Meaning of Christmas This Year

Make this year about the true meaning of Christmas. Show it in your marriage and in those you love the most. Share love, joy, peace and forgiveness. Decide now to keep the meaning of Christmas the most important thing you do. Give yourself grace to not make all the other, less important things, the things you do instead.

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 —CHRISTMAS VERSION

We love this version of “The Love Chapter” from Steve and Cindy Wright at Marriage Missions. We hope you will enjoy it too and that it will inspire you to keep the meaning of Christmas your top priority this year.

“If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shining balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crystal snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child (and the husband).

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband; (maybe even a “10 second kiss” …  —to the husband: a great way to express love to your wife is to help with the decorating without grumbling. Just ask your wife, “What can I do that would help you the most?”)

Love is kind, though harried and tired. (Remember —if you’re too busy to be kind, you’re too busy!)

Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. (There’s always a price to pay for everything, financially and sometimes relationally. If your decorating takes away from the peace and joy you’re to enjoy with your loved ones, is it really worth the cost? What do you believe Christ would have you do?)

Love doesn’t yell at the children to get out of the way, but is thankful they’re there to be in the way. (Will your children be able to look back and say, “I loved Christmas at home with my parents —it was such a happy, peaceful, and loving place!”?)

Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, and golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure. (It truly is “the gift that keeps on giving!”)”

What do you have to say?

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This article was written by Roy and Devra Wooten, authors of “The Secret to a Lifetime Love”. Learn more at www.LifeTogetherForever.com © Roy and Devra Wooten 2016. All Rights Reserved. You may replicate this article as long as it is provided free to recipients and includes appropriate attribution. Written permission for other use may be obtained at [email protected].