When I contemplate the one virtue that best embodies the Christmas message, it would have to be the virtue of love. Why love, you might ask, when faith and hope echo through every Christmas carol? Because love represents the gift of heaven itself—the highest of all virtues—and it’s the one we are charged to practice often and with purpose.
The Bible reminds us: “Now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love prioritizes others above ourselves, elevating us to our highest calling. This simple yet profound truth is the foundation of the Christmas season, and the very essence of a life well lived.
As I reflect on this virtue, I draw from the chapter on love I am working on in my forthcoming book, Surrounded By Heroes. While the book explores timeless values like courage, humility, and gratitude – love, I believe, ties them all together. It challenges us to move beyond self-interest and embrace a life of greater meaning and purpose.
A Culture at Odds with Love
The idea of prioritizing others can feel countercultural in a world so consumed with self-interest. Today’s society even has a term that celebrates this preoccupation: the “selfie.” From books to blogs to social media, much of what we encounter seems focused on self-advancement, personal fulfillment, and the relentless pursuit of individual desires.
It wasn’t always this way. There was a time when virtues like love defined a meaningful life. Love was seen as the benchmark of character, a guiding principle that shaped families, communities, and nations. Perhaps it’s time we return to that vision, embracing love not as a fleeting emotion but as an enduring commitment to the well-being of others.
Learning the Language of Love
I’ve often thought about learning a second language, but the idea always circles back to one question: Why don’t I better learn the language of love? The payoff is far greater, after all. In my own life, focusing on love and refining its many attributes has led to a richer quality of life and, I hope, a lasting legacy.
Of course, learning this “language” is neither easy nor convenient. The simplest definition of love I’ve heard is just two words: you first. This phrase captures the heart of humility and the essence of love—it’s a deliberate choice to prioritize others over ourselves. In a society where self-gratification is celebrated, such a definition may seem counterintuitive. Yet it’s through this lens that we can truly understand what love demands of us.
The American psychologist M. Scott Peck described it well in The Road Less Traveled: “Love is as love does.” He goes on to explain that love is an act of will—both an intention and an action. In other words, love is a choice, and each day presents us with opportunities to make that choice.
The Challenge and Joy of Love
In the spirit of this Christmas season, let us put on “eyes to see and ears to hear” the needs of others and act out the language of love. In a world where we rarely know our neighbors anymore, love fosters connection, builds trust, and creates an environment of mutual respect.
Embracing a love like this is not without challenges. It may require us to set aside our egos, forego recognition, or delay our own desires. But along the way, we may discover the beautiful paradox of love: in giving, we receive far more than we ever imagined.
Think about someone in your life who might need a gesture of love this season. Is there a family member you’ve drifted away from? A friend facing a tough time? A neighbor who could use a helping hand? By prioritizing their needs, we not only brighten their lives but also deepen our capacity for empathy, humility, and gratitude.
Love as Legacy
When we commit to love, we’re building something far greater than ourselves. Love transcends moments and memories; it becomes part of our legacy. At Christmas, we’re reminded of the ultimate legacy of love—the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His love was not passive or conditional; it was bold, intentional, and life-giving.
That kind of love challenges us to look beyond the fleeting pleasures of the season and toward the lasting impact we can have on the people around us. It invites us to reflect on the question: How will I choose to love today, tomorrow, and into the new year? Love isn’t something to practice only during the holidays; it’s a virtue we are called to live out daily. As we move into the new year, let’s commit to cultivating love in tangible ways.
The Greatest Gift
This Christmas let’s remember that love is the greatest gift we can give and receive. It has the power to heal wounds, mend relationships, and transform hearts. By embracing love—through both intention and action—we honor the true meaning of the season and reflect the light of Christ to the world around us.
May your Christmas be filled with the joy of giving and receiving love, and may it inspire you to carry this virtue forward, not just for a season, but throughout the year and for a lifetime.
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