18th December 2024

The Christmas season is upon us and the sounds of jingling bells, songs of winter sleighs and roaring fires, and of course, peace and goodwill toward all are in the air. We like to think peace, love and goodwill will truly be extant, but we know human nature doesn’t change with the changing seasons. The problems we experience during other months of the year don’t go away, and can sometimes become worse. 

One thing that can help us navigate everything that goes along with Christmas is to remember the meaning of love: wanting only good for others. Dallas Willard said: ‘Love is not desire – it is to will the good of others. We say, “I love chocolate cake!” But really we want to eat it. We love something or someone when we promote its good for its own sake.’

If tempers grow short and patience is lacking, just remember the love of God in our hearts can help us will the good of others in all situations. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can fray nerves and stretch our ability to maintain equanimity. With God’s help, we can even will good for our enemies – including the driver who cuts us off in traffic, or the relative who brings up and argues about politics during dinner. 

May the Spirit of goodwill be in all of us as we celebrate the One who always wants the good for us.

First published on 12 December 2023, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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