Festive lights twinkle, the aroma of hot rolls, cookies and a fresh cut Christmas tree fill the air. Christmas means joy, family, and tradition. For many more, Christmas is a time of reflection and gratitude. For many married couples, this time of the year serves as a reminder of the enduring love that binds them together, a love that has weathered storms and triumphs. This is the time when many couples reflect on the ups and downs of the past 12 months.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's easy to get lost in the many tasks and forget to celebrate the most precious gift of all – the love shared between two individuals committed to embracing the journey of life together. This Christmas, as our world and nation grapples with so many uncertainties and challenges, what uncertainties and challenges have the two of you worked through in your marriage? In your family? Has it been finances? Health of a loved one? Have you experienced loss? On the flip side, what blessings have flowed your way over the past 12 months? A new child or grandchild? A new job or promotion? Have you been blessed with opportunities to travel or maybe spend time with other couples whom you hold close?” When you stare at that beautifully decorated Christmas tree, just what type of year are you reflecting on?
Amidst the chaos of Christmas, now is the perfect time to consider ways in which you might embrace your marriage even more in the coming year. For some, maybe this year has presented challenges that make you question the strength of your marriage. If you have faced a difficult past 12 months this might be the perfect time to stop down and consider what needs to happen to stop the crazy cycle and get things back on track. That may include seeking professional help or doing the individual work that’s needed to restore the joy that your marriage is seeking.
Here's an idea. This year, in the quiet moments by the fireplace, sipping that special egg nogg in front of the tree, as you gather around the dinner table and especially before you begin opening Christmas presents, why not pause to share with your spouse what makes them your very special Christmas gift. And then join hands and thank God for the gift of marriage and having each other. Let’s make this the year that we use Christmas to embrace our marriages and show our gratefulness that God has brought us together.