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

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

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.