Love Has a Name

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

No one can say they’ve seen the face of God, but if you’ve seen an act of love, you know exactly what He looks like. Scripture tells us plainly: God is love. And every time we choose love over hate, humility over pride, generosity over selfishness, and forgiveness over resentment, we give the world a glimpse of Him.

That’s the heart of Christmas.

In the middle of lights, lists, traditions, and to-dos, it’s easy to forget that Christmas isn’t just a season; it’s a story. A story of God’s ultimate act of love. He didn’t send a sign or a symbol. He sent Himself. Wrapped in flesh. Placed in a manger. Given freely to a world that desperately needed hope.

Jesus didn’t arrive with power and prestige. He came in humility, bringing peace to the weary, hope to the broken, and light into dark places. Through Him, we learn that love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we live.

When we choose love, especially when it’s inconvenient, undeserved, or unseen, we reflect the heart of God. When we extend grace, show compassion, slow down to listen, or give without expecting anything in return, we continue the Christmas story in real time.

This season, maybe the greatest gift we can offer isn’t found under a tree, but in how we show up for one another. A kind word. A softened heart. A forgiven offense. A generous spirit. These are the moments where love becomes visible.

Christmas reminds us that love has a name, and His name is Jesus.

So as we celebrate, let’s get back to the heart of it all. Let’s choose love boldly, live it daily, and share it freely. Because every act of love points back to the One who loved us first, and that is truly something worth celebrating!

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Be the Light

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness, struggle, or pain. As we celebrate the season, it’s important to remember that the love and kindness of Christ are needed more than ever. You never know what someone may be going through, and you might just be the only glimpse of Christ they see.

The Power of Simple Acts of Kindness

In the busy days leading up to Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and to-do lists. But let’s not forget the power of simple acts of kindness. A warm smile, a thoughtful word, or a helping hand can make someone feel seen and valued. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every act of kindness is an opportunity to serve Him.

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Loving Others as Christ Loved Us

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t in gifts or decorations but in the love we show others. Christ came to Earth not for the perfect, but for the broken. He embraced people’s flaws with love, and we are called to do the same. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Loving others—especially those who may be hard to love—is how we reflect Christ’s heart.

This holiday season, many people face pain—whether it’s from loss, financial strain, or personal struggles. By offering love, patience, and understanding, we show them the kindness of Christ. Your love could be the lifeline someone needs to get through tough times.

Being a Light in Someone’s Darkness

We are called to be a light in the world, especially during dark times. In Philippians 2:15, Paul writes, “Shine among them like stars in the sky.” As you encounter people this season, remember that your light may be the only one they see. Reach out to those who might be silently suffering—whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Offer your presence, your prayers, or simply your ear. In doing so, you reflect the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.

The True Gift of the Season

Jesus is the ultimate gift to us—given out of pure love. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul writes, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” This Christmas, may we all remember that the greatest gift we can give isn’t something wrapped in paper, but the gift of love. When we show kindness to others, we share the season’s true meaning.

Scriptures to Inspire Your Heart:

  • 1 John 4:19 – “We love because He first loved us.”
  • Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.”
  • Romans 15:7 – “Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
  • Galatians 6:9-10 – “Let us not become weary in doing good… Let us do good to all people.”

This Christmas, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus. This holiday season I pray that as we reflect on the love Christ has shown us, we let that love overflow to others. We never know when our kindness will be the light someone needs.

Merry Christmas!

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.

Tis the Season to Be Grateful 

Posted on by goldenlifemusings

I’ve had two revelations recently. One – the more I age, the more I realize how little I know about this world. Sure, I’ve become wiser, as we all should as we age. But the more I know, the more I realize how little I know in comparison to all there is to know under God’s sovereignty. Before I get all philosophical and Ecclesiastes on you – because that’s not what this post is about – let me share the second revelation. With each holiday season, the less I want and the more grateful I am for what I already have.

I’ve made this personal because it’s my blog, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not the only one who’s had this revelation. And while I said I was moving on from Ecclesiastes, I do want to point out something so wise, yet simple and still very relevant that King Solomon wrote in his nearly three-thousand-year-old segment of scripture. Most of what we treasure is meaningless anyway. Well, he said “everything,” but I’m trying to be a little less dramatic.

Before you get the wrong impression though, let me share why this revelation is so encouraging and full of hope. God has already given us the greatest and most valuable gift in the world. We don’t have to wait for it, nor do we have to do any toiling or spending to get it. We already have it. And that “it” I’m referring to is Jesus, in case you didn’t already know. Despite how cliche it sounds, it doesn’t make it any less true – He is in fact, the reason for the season.

I’ve believed in and accepted the gift of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit He left here with me as evidence of His presence for some time now. But the more I’ve gotten to know Him and about Him, the more I value Him and His sacrifice. And the more I value Him, the less value I place on the “stuff” of this world. And that is a gift in and of itself. It’s actually freeing to be more tied to Him and less tethered to the things of this world. 

But, let me be clear. I truly appreciate and am grateful for all the “things of this world” that God has allowed me to have. They have certainly made life more comfortable than it could have been without them. What this revelation has provided me with though, is perspective. And I think we could all benefit from a little of that.

Transparently, this perspective has helped me navigate this very uncertain and uncomfortable season I’ve found myself in recently. Without it, I honestly don’t know how I’d feel. But, what I do know is that I’m grateful. I’m more grateful than I ever have been. And yet, I have less than what I’ve had in other seasons of my life, from a worldly point of view.

I’m sharing this because I know that the more commercialized this season becomes, the harder it is for us to see what really matters, not just for the season, but in life. I hope my revelation has either reminded or ignited in you a fresh perspective that fosters gratitude. Whether you have a little or a lot of what the world has to offer, it truly always is the season to be grateful.  

For more golden life ventures visit www.goldenlifeventures.com.