With the approach of Christmas comes Christmas lights and Christmas music and the spirit of giving. However the lie of commercialism always feels so strong during these celebrations But Christmas as we know it is so much bigger and deeper than that. May we, this year, ponder the words of 1 Corinthians 13, and find in them whatever light they offer on this greatest gift of all love.
The Heart of 1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13, also called the “Love Chapter,” gives a timeless definition of love. The apostle Paul concludes with, “And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). These words are a challenge to struggle with what it is to live in love, particularly at Christmastime.
Love in the Christmas Story
Christmas is, at its centre, a celebration of God’s love for humanity. We know from John 3:16, “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.” The baby in the manger of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ, is right loneliest gift of sacrificial love. That God would give His Son is not merely the fulfillment of a prophecy, it is also an invitation to experience and share His boundless love.
The cast of the Christmas narrative exhibit much of the qualities listed in 1 Corinthians 13. Mary’s patience and trust in God’s purpose, Joseph’s kindness and protection of his family, as well as the shepherds’ joyful announcement of the good news all copy facets of divine love. And, most importantly, the gift of Christ Himself models love that “never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Living Out Love at Christmas
How can we apply the 1 Corinthians 13 principles to Christmas? Here’s some ideas on how to reflect Christ’s love this season:
- Be Patient and Kind: The holiday squeeze can really try our patience, and whether it’s waiting in a line miles long or during complicated family gatherings. Be kind in your words and actions, even if it is difficult in the current environment.
- Avoid Envy or Boasting: Christmas is not about who gives or gets the best gifts. Center yourself around humble gratitude, rejoicing in the good fortunes of others as well as your own.
- Forgive Freely: It was the holidays, which can sometimes bring up past hurts. Release resentments and offer complete forgiveness, by remembering that love “keep[s] no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:5).
- Give Selflessly: We may show love through service, the perfect gift, or even just our presence, but we should ensure that we are focusing on giving in ways that convey the giving selfless love of Christ.
- Celebrate Truth and Hope: Spread the good news of Jesus’ birth to those around you. Embrace the God of promises and the hope His love brings to a broken world.
The Greatest Gift
In the end, love is what matters as 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us. So this Christmas while we are exchanging gifts let us not forget that the biggest gift that we can give or get is LOVE. A love that reflects the sacrificial, unconditional love of Christ; a love that is patient, kind, and despite all things, bears all things.
May we, this Christmas, look beyond decorations and traditions and embrace the words found in 1 Corinthians and 13, what really matters in life. Let us be bearers of God’s love to a world desperately needing it, that we might celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and shine the light of Christ in all we do.