The Christmas Spirit

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.

Colossians 3:13

In their book None of These Diseases, S. I. McMillen and David Stern describe the damage we inflict on ourselves when we dislike someone or refuse to forgive him or her. “The moment I begin to hate a man, I become his slave. He controls my thoughts. He controls my feelings. He even controls my dreams. Stress hormones constantly surge through my bloodstream and wear down my body. . . . The one I hate hounds me wherever I go.”

As your family gathers this holiday, perhaps there’s a member you don’t like or haven’t forgiven. Perhaps a father-in-law or a stepchild. Maybe a brother or sister who hurt you years ago.

Remember that Christmas is all about God’s love and forgiveness. Jesus left the infinite riches of the heavenly palace to sleep in an animal’s food trough, choosing to live among unlovely people. He came to forgive and redeem. He can flush all the hatred from your heart if you’ll only let Him.

If you’re not looking forward to seeing someone in your family this Christmas, offer this prayer: “Lord, I confess that I don’t like __________, and I am dreading being with him (or her). Forgive me, and help me to forgive and forbear. May the love of the Christmas Christ be funneled through me this season.”