The Gift of Love

When we think about Christmas, our minds often race to gifts: the colorful wrapping paper, the twinkling lights, the excitement of giving and receiving. But beyond the presents under the tree lies a gift that outshines them all—the gift of love, wrapped not in paper, but in flesh. God’s love came down in the form of a baby in a manger. Not simply a symbolic gesture, but rather a radical act of grace, a divine rescue mission to save a broken world.

At its core, Christmas is the story of love made visible. It reminds us that love isn’t just a feeling but an action, a sacrifice, a Person—Jesus Christ. His coming into the world wasn’t just a moment in history. It was the moment love became tangible.

The beauty of the Christmas story is that it begins with God taking the initiative. He didn’t wait for us to be lovable. He didn’t require us to clean up our lives or climb our way to heaven. Instead, He came down to us.

This was made clear to my wife Ann and I as we celebrated Christmas morning with our three kids. One can sense the excitement and anticipation when the kids run into the living room and see the presents under the tree. They might think the presents magically appeared overnight under the tree, but Ann and I spent time, money, and effort picking unique gifts they would love—personal gifts, things they wanted. Things we knew they would love. The look in their eyes and the joy on their face when they unwrap the “perfect” gift for them, showing them that it’s not about the present or the gift, but about the love behind it. We can only imagine the excitement and anticipation heaven must feel when we say “yes” to Jesus, knowing the sacrificial love that was sent on our behalf.

In 1 John 4:10, we read, “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.” This kind of love is unlike any the world can offer. It’s not transactional. It’s transformational. God gave Jesus, not because we earned it, but because He couldn’t bear to leave us lost. That means no matter where you find yourself this Christmas—whether on the mountaintop or in the valley—love is within reach. Jesus didn’t just come for the “put-together.” He came for the overlooked, the overwhelmed, and the brokenhearted.

As believers, we don’t just receive this love—we’re called to share it. Christmas is not only a celebration of what God has done but a challenge to share that same love with others. So how do we respond to the gift of love? Receive it. Don’t rush past the manger and get caught up in the busyness of the season. Don’t miss the miracle that took place and the love that was shared. Take time to reflect on the depth of God’s love for you and how He has called us to love those around us. Reflect on it. Look around you. Who needs to feel seen? Who needs forgiveness, kindness, or compassion? The love of God is best shared in small, simple acts—just like the way it first came. Rest in it. In the busyness of the season, don’t forget that God’s love isn’t something you earn. It’s something you embrace. Let the truth of His love quiet your fears, calm your heart, and fill your soul.

This devotional was written by Micah Gill, the Minister to Young Adults at First Baptist Dallas.

Two Questions for Thought:

1. In the quiet moments of this season, how might you open your heart to fully receive the love God has already given you through Jesus?
2. As you rest in the gift of God’s love, who might He be inviting you to gently share that love with this Christmas?

Daily Challenge:

This Christmas, don’t just celebrate the Gift of love—live it. Seek out one heart that needs encouragement, one soul that needs kindness, one moment that needs grace. Let your words be gentle, your actions intentional, and your love sincere. May your life quietly echo the miracle of that first Christmas—love made visible.