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During this time of year, many of us spend our days counting down to the end of the year with a myriad of thoughts about what “could have been.” You know how it goes: the blaring reminders on TV, radio, and even at holiday parties that you’re single, couldn’t afford the best gifts or the pricey plane tickets to fly across country to be with family. What I’ve learned over the years is that no matter who is not there, what money we may not have, or how far away our families may be, there’s something bigger that we can always rely on to give us the love we all desire. There are many clichés about the holidays and the “real reason for the season,” but in its truest essence, God’s greatest gift to us is the unconditional love that remains available every day of the year. God’s love for us is real, tangible, and everywhere we go. He tells us in Romans 8:37-39: Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. How great His love is for us! It surpasses all heartbreak and deficits that we have encountered throughout the year. Don’t have that special someone to shower with love and gifts? Consider showing love to those in need who aren’t as fortunate as you Money is tight and can’t give gifts? Bake some cookies or other sweets, bag them up, and share with friends and family! Can’t get home for the holidays? Use Skype to see the bright and shining faces of those you love! A shift in perspective keeps the most perfect love of all at the forefront and teaches us to lean on the blessings we have. Enjoy the holidays and feel the love from the one who sacrificed the most for us! How To Travel Cheap This Holiday Season Have A Happy Holiday: 5 Holidays Stressors And How To Deal 7 Christmas Tree Alternatives For 2011
