All of us long for love. Whether in friendships, family, or romantic relationships, there’s a deep desire within us for love that fills the heart and soul. Yet, particularly during this time of year, we can fall into the trap of measuring love by what we receive.
How often do we hear it? “Their gift wasn’t as good as mine.” Or worse, “They didn’t spend enough. They must not love me.” Our world has a tendency to reduce love to transactions. But deep within, we know this isn’t the kind of love we’re truly longing for.
The love we crave cannot be satisfied by gifts, objects, or even other people. Human love, as beautiful as it is, has limits. It will one day fade. But there is a love that is eternal, unending, and unshakable: God’s love.
God’s love is not merely an emotion or a gift He gives. It’s His very essence. When we experience His love, we’re receiving something far deeper—a piece of His nature. As 1 John 4:8 reminds us, “God is love.”
At Christmas, we see this love in action: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This familiar verse is the heart of the gospel. God’s love is not surprising because the world is so big; it’s surprising because the world is so broken.
Even though we’re sinners, undeserving of His grace, God’s love bridges the gap between His holiness and our sinfulness. Through Jesus, we’re not condemned but saved. His birth, life, death, and resurrection were all acts of love meant to redeem us and invite us into a relationship with Him.
This love is personal. It’s not just for the world at large but for you. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, the one who would betray Him. That’s the kind of love God offers—unconditional, sacrificial, and full of grace.
This Christmas, let’s remember that love isn’t about what we give or receive but about the Savior who gave everything for us. The greatest gift we can offer is to reflect His love by serving others, forgiving freely, and sharing the hope found in Christ.
*For God so loved the world. For God so loved you.* That’s what we celebrate at Christmas.
