Do You Feel the "Christmas Spirit" in Your Marriage? - PLUS Marriage Devotional

Being on the same page at Christmas helps couples navigate the busy season with greater joy. But when one spouse doesn't feel the Christmas Spirit, it can put a damper on the celebration. Whether it's work obligations, health challenges, or financial hardship, it's not always easy to get into the holiday mood. Gratefully, there are small ways to make Christmas as meaningful as it was meant to be.

Choose Meaningful Over Commercial

So much of what we do at Christmas revolves around commercialism. We decorate with snowmen and reindeer, but forget to make the nativity the center. Shopping for gifts becomes more of a burden than a blessing, and planning for Christmas dinner becomes overwhelming.

To feel the Christmas Spirit in your marriage, choices need to be made in favor of meaningful experiences over commercial ones. This might include:

• Cuddling by the fire, listening to Michael Bublé's music.
• Taking a walk after dark with cups of hot cocoa in hand.
• Reading through the Gospels in the month of December.

Many holiday events are optional, so couples get to choose what to participate in. I suggest scheduling a night out to discuss your plans. Decide what to enjoy and what to forego. Hopefully, by the end of your date night, you'll both be in the Christmas Spirit.

Highlight Jesus Over Presents

Opening gifts is a wonderful tradition, and is usually at the center of our Christmas celebration. However, there is a way to highlight Jesus over presents and still make gift-giving an important part of the holiday.

Here's how:

• Give three gifts, representing the number of gifts the wise men gave. These can include something needed (clothing, shoes, etc.), something wanted (jewelry, electronics, etc.), and something Spiritual (Bible, prayer journal, etc.).
• Bake a birthday cake for Jesus and throw a birthday party for the King of Kings.
• Open presents early to enjoy your Christmas Eve service without distraction.

You can still enjoy gift-giving while focusing on the Savior, but you might also consider skipping presents this year and donating to a gospel-centered ministry you both support.

Focus More on Producing the Fruit of the Spirit

More than feeling the Christmas Spirit, focus on producing the fruit of the Spirit. As Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Imagine how enjoyable your celebrations could be if you were full of God's joy. Envision the fruit of patience being displayed during hectic family gatherings. Picture the peace of Jesus covering your home as you love your spouse and children well. These are the key to feeling the true Christmas Spirit.

Here's a simple exercise you can do together:

Write down all nine fruits of the Spirit and circle the ones that are most difficult for you. Share your list with your spouse and discover which fruits are a struggle for them. Pray together for wisdom, help, and abundant fruit through the Christmas season. By focusing more on the Holy Spirit and His divine attributes, you'll find this season more peaceful and enjoyable than ever before.

Let's Pray: Lord, this is the time of year when our schedules fill up and we carry extra stress. It's difficult to get in the Christmas Spirit when a dozen things are vying for our attention. Please help us focus more on You than on commercial things. Make the celebration of Your birth front and center. Let our gifts be meaningful, representing the gift You are to us. Thank You for my spouse, Lord, and for the opportunity to walk by Your Spirit with joy this Christmas season. In Your holy name, amen.

Application: Make or purchase ornaments based on the fruit of the Spirit. Let them symbolize the true Christmas Spirit.

Challenge: Try the exercise mentioned above, writing down the fruits of the Spirit and praying together for an increase of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

More Resources for Feeling the Christmas Spirit:

10 Inspiring Quotes to Get You in the Christmas Spirit

5 Ways to Build the Spirit of Christmas in Your Home

7 Ways to Carry the Christmas Spirit throughout the Whole Year

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/jacoblund

Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth. 

We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.