The Beatles’ had a popular song in the 70s titled “All You Need Is Love”. Just humming this tune brings back memories of the long hair, flowery vans and peace signs from that time, but for many of us, we’ve learned that love is much easier to sing about than to live. Experiences taught me that this challenge exists because we need a better understanding of what we know God is.

Paul showed us the importance of living a life of love at the end of 1 Corinthians 12 when he said, “And now I will show you the most excellent way.” He wants us to recognize that there is a most excellent way, and it is the way of love.   

Recently, I was reading about the last night that Jesus was on the earth, and I recognized something I never had before. I noticed that even as he prepared for his suffering, Jesus still sought to make his love obvious in 3 ways. First, he displayed servant hood by washing the feet of his disciples. Then he demonstrated sacrifice as he took the first communion with his disciples.  Finally, he showed his devotion to those he loved by retreating to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for them.

In fact, John recorded that he was praying so hard that he sweat drops of blood. He longed for those whose feet he washed and those who were yet to come --the people he was giving his life for-- to live unified because of love.  You see, even at the most hectic and perhaps the most discouraging time of his life on earth, Jesus’ own desires were the farthest thing from his mind. What was on his mind? Love.

In the same way, when someone is approaching the end of their life, what is usually on their mind? Their loved ones. They want to spend every waking moment with them in an effort to display their appreciation and affection for them in their lives. But why should we wait until then to express our gratitude for our loved ones? God has blessed us all with remarkable ability and countless opportunities to love today.

That’s really what Jesus wants all of us to recognize this holiday season. In the end, is it really going to matter whether we bought the “perfect” gift or hosted the “perfect” party? No, it’s not. What will matter is how we loved. The gifts will wear out and the decorations will go back to the attic, but the ones with whom you spend this holiday season will remain.

So, I challenge you today to approach Christmas differently this year. Instead of focusing on how much you can get done, focus on how much love you can share with those around you. Practice releasing the same love that Jesus lived with by making an effort to show your appreciation for those God has placed in your life. Only then will you fully experience the true meaning of Christmas—love.