What is Christmas spirit or the spirit of Christmas? Is it the spirit of giving? This time of year we hear all about peace, joy and love which definitely warms the heart and promotes a spirit of generosity. We also are inundated with a spirit of commercialism that in many cases even denies that it is Christmas being celebrated by refusing to use the “Merry Christmas” phrase in their advertising and in their stores.

Could it be that we are failing to fully appreciate the true meaning of Christmas and how it’s very presence once a year impacts our lives throughout the year? God’s intention in sending His only son into the world was that we would receive His gift of love and rejoice in it 365 days a year. His gift of love brings true freedom from the bondage and condemnation of sin setting us free to truly love Him and love one another.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:38 that the first and greatest commandment was to love God and then love others. The birth of Jesus represents God’s love for humanity and His desire that all men would know Him. He literally gave himself to the world in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a true sacrificial love and the kind of love we are to freely give – not just at Christmas but all year long. Jesus is the best gift God had to give us and He is the best gift we can give to those who do not know Him.

I pray that we would all open our arms to God this season and embrace the depth of His gift of love in all its fullness this Christmas season. Whatever we have need of is there for us. For He is our Father, our Savior, our Deliverer and our Lord and all we have to do is receive Him in his fullness. Then when we embrace it and walk in it we too become the best gifts we can give to friends and family.