As we approach the festive season, it’s worth reflecting on what Christmas truly represents beyond the twinkling lights and wrapped presents. At its core, Christmas celebrates the ultimate gift of love, one that challenges our modern understanding of what love really means.
The Modern Paradox of Love
In today’s world, we often confuse love with desire. It feels like the modern-day spelling of the word ‘love’ is l-u-s-t. This powerful observation highlights a fundamental misunderstanding in our culture. The Bible warns us about this in James 1:14-15: “but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Understanding True Love
Here are few key distinctions between love and lust:
- Love cherishes what it has; lust cherishes what it doesn’t
- Love gives; lust takes
- Love is sacrificially generous; lust is destructively selfish
These contrasts paint a picture of love that’s radically different from what popular culture often portrays. John 3:16 captures this sacrificial love perfectly: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The Greatest Gift Ever Given
The Christmas story presents us with the ultimate example of love, a gift that transcends human understanding. As John 3:17-18 explains: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
The Value of This Gift
The profound worth of this gift is described in 1 Peter 1:18-19: “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
A Different Kind of Love Story
The true symbol of love is not a heart but a cross. This profound statement challenges our romantic notions of love, replacing them with something more substantial, a love that’s willing to sacrifice everything for the beloved.
The Transformative Power of Being Loved
In what ways would your life be different if you knew that you are always loved and wanted? This transformative love isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about genuine change. As 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds us: “and such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
The Response to Love
John 3:36 emphasizes the importance of our response to this precious love: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Living Out True Love
True love manifests itself through:
- L – Lifting
- O – others above yourself
- V – vowing unconditional commitment
- E – endlessly
Lust in the other hand is
- L – Living
- U – For Your Own Desires
- S – Seeking Pleasure
- T – Temporarily
Conclusion
As we celebrate Christmas this year, perhaps the greatest gift we can unwrap is a new understanding of love, one that goes beyond temporary pleasures and self-focused desires. In a world that often confuses love with lust, we’re invited to embrace a love that’s sacrificial, unconditional, and eternal.
The message of Christmas reminds us that hope, peace, joy, and love aren’t just abstract concepts, they’re embodied in the greatest gift ever given to humanity. As we exchange presents this season, may we remember that the truest expression of love isn’t found in what we can get, but in what we’re willing to give.
This Christmas, let’s challenge ourselves to love differently, not based on feelings or circumstances, but through committed actions and selfless giving. After all, that’s what the very first Christmas was all about.
