With Christmas right around the corner, I’ve been thinking about what I actually want for gifts this year. At first, I thoguht of easy things like new cute boots or maybe more film for my polaroid camera. Thinking on another level, money for traveling over the summer is an obvious thing to ask for. However, keeping to what Christmas is really about, what I want can be summed up in one word: love.

Christmas, from its foundation, has always been about love. God sent His only Son to earth as a baby so He’d eventually grow up to sacrifice Himself to take away the sins of the world. He did all of this because His love for us is incomprehensible. I can’t think of a better gift of love than that.

So, what I really want for Christmas is love.

Today marks exactly four months since I moved away from San Diego to go to grad school, and in six days, I will finally be home for the first time since August. What I want for Christmas is to be with my family, all of us together, to enjoy quality time with one another. I want friends to hold each other close and remind each other why they are special and loved. I want little girls to know they are precious in the eyes of God, that they are daughters of a King. I want young men to know they are leaders and capable of great things as sons of God. I want our elders to feel appreciated and respected. I want the chaos in our world to cease. I want peace on earth. I want brokenness to be fixed. I want illness to be healed. I want hopelessness to find hope. I want loneliness to find a home. I want confusion to find clarity. I want sorrow to find joy.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized what I really want for Christmas can’t be put in a box and wrapped up in pretty paper and ribbons. I’ve also learned that the best way to receive is to give. As the world continues to change, for better or for worse, it’s become apparent that we definitely need more Jesus.

Throughout the holiday season and even beyond it, I am committed to giving love at every opportunity I get. If I don’t spread love, who will? Knowing God loves me is the best Christmas gift I can get and the best gift I can give. I encourage you to hold your friends and family a little closer and give your love as freely as God gave His. I hope you join me in this endeavor. This Christmas, count the many blessings you have, and remember what this season is really all about.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.