“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” (John 3:16 MSG) 

Hello Authentic Lovers–

Christmas is the most celebrated holiday, aside from Halloween- there is something special about the spirit of the Holidays.  It is as if people are nicer around Christmastime.  I don’t know if its the carols of good cheer, or the emphasis on tasty desserts or if its just the idea that someone is going to do something nice for you for a day; all I know is that Christmas can bring the best and worst out of individuals.  I love Christmas, it is my favorite holiday aside from my birthday.  I love singing the songs, decorating the tree, baking cookies and just the sheer joy that comes around the holidays…but like others I can get caught up in things that don’t matter around the holidays: money and things.  We have all been guilty of being caught up in material things around the holidays, desiring the next big thing and forgetting an attitude of gratitude.

But…does this make giving gifts bad?  I say: absolutely not!  The first demonstration of true love, came in the form of a gift- the gift of the Son of God.  This is why I believe that gift giving is most appropriate for this holiday.  Over 2000 years ago, God gave us something so dear to His heart- He gave us His son (only son).  Can you imagine giving someone your child?  Your only child?  I can imagine the Father’s heart being bittersweet; sad knowing that He would be separated from His child for a season, but after remembering the purpose being filled with joy.  Jesus was given to us so that we can have real life, life that is never ending or limited by the trials of this world.

In the next three days, your hands will be filled with gifts of the newest technology, clothes and accessories, and possibly a pair of socks but the greatest gift you will have the chance to receive is the Jesus Christ, the son of God.  God himself has given you His Son, nothing else compares to that.

I know that some of you aren’t believers or profess any salvation/relationship with God but I just want to let you know that the epitome of love was a gift, the gift of Jesus Christ.  Anyone can have this gift and when you accept Him – you’ll live, truly live.  If you would like to accept Jesus, all you have to do is talk to Him and tell Him that you want Him to live in your heart forever and He will.  Anyone can belong to the family of God.  After you invite Him into your heart, find a group of people you can journey with ( we were never created to live this life alone- we were created for community) and take time to learn more about Him.  Sometimes we can open a Bible and it seems dense, so I encourage you to read in a version that you can understand.  Jesus has a friend that He gives you with Himself called the Holy Spirit, receive Him too because He is going to help you experience this life in a deeper way.  Every year we acknowledge the gift of Jesus, but this year let’s open Him up and experience our lives with Him.  

Always remember: love gives….

Until next time and Happy Holidays,

❤ Mo

Featured Image Credit: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrSICuIZpc8/TZBbkcZIt_I/AAAAAAAAAU4/aqhKnMtXwOU/s1600/Love-Gives.jpg