The Relentless Love That Meets Us at Christmas

Every December, I had such high hopes for the Christmas season. I envisioned a beautifully decorated home that topped last year’s. I collected recipes, planned to attend every holiday event, and imagined capturing picture-perfect moments. Surely, I’d be filled with the joyful spirit of Christmas.

But between decorating, baking, wrapping, and hustling from one thing to the next, the weight of it all left me worn out. Add in cold-and-flu season—sometimes I was sick myself, other years I was caring for one of my three kids— and the season meant to feel merry and bright often left me drained and running on empty.

A GIFT-WRAPPING REVELATION

I used to take great pride in gift wrapping. Each present had to be perfectly wrapped, adorned with bows and matching ribbon. My tree sparkled, and the gifts beneath it were part of the display.

One year, I was so far behind that I realized the gifts might not get wrapped at all. Panic set in—until I grabbed a stack of gift bags. In minutes, the presents were contained and ready for the tree. It wasn’t Pinterest-perfect, but it preserved my sanity.

That simple shift taught me something profound: My worth wasn’t tied to how stunning my home looked. The season’s meaning wasn’t in ribbons or wrapping paper—it was in presence, love, and the reminder that God’s relentless love meets us even when our plans fall short. From then on, I approached homemaking—and the holidays— with a grace-filled perspective. And honestly? Gift bags make a lot of sense.

A LOVE THAT MEETS US IN LESS-THAN-IDEAL PLACES

The first Christmas wasn’t picture-perfect either. Mary, heavily pregnant, endured a long

journey on a donkey. By the time they reached Bethlehem, there was no cozy room waiting for

them. Jesus was born in a humble place, likely a cave, and laid in a feeding trough

The peace of Christmas was never meant to come from flawless homes, endless traditions,

or perfectly executed plans. It came through Christ Himself—born in humility, bringing

hope and joy to a weary world.

RELENTLESS LOVE IN OUR HOMES

When I stopped chasing “perfect” holidays and leaned into the relentless love of Jesus,

everything shifted. I realized I didn’t need to manufacture magical moments—

I simply needed to abide in the One who is the source of joy and peace.

Relentless love looks like slowing down to enjoy the people in your living room instead of fussing over the kitchen. It looks like saying no to one more event so you can say yes to rest. It looks like serving your family from the overflow of Christ’s love, not guilt or exhaustion.

John 15:9 says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” This

is the invitation of Christmas: to dwell not in chaos or checklists but in the pursuing love of Christ.

A MODERN PROVERBS 31 PERSPECTIVE

As a coach, I remind women that a thriving home isn’t defined by spotless counters or styled décor. True biblical homemaking is creating space—physically and spiritually— where God’s peace dwells, His presence is cherished, and His love flows through daily rhythms.

The modern Proverbs 31 woman doesn’t try to do everything herself. She leans into God’s strength, embraces her limits without shame, and builds routines that nurture both her family and her spiritual growth. Her home may not be flawless, but it is intentional, peaceful, and filled with the presence of God.

This Christmas, what if relentless love in your home looked less like striving for perfection and more like pausing to abide with Him? Less about flawless execution, more about making room for His presence to transform your days—ordinary tasks and holiday moments alike.

CREATING A HOLIDAY HOME THAT PROMOTES THE RELENTLESS LOVE OF JESUS

If you’re anything like the women I coach—or like I used to be—the holidays can feel like a whirlwind of expectations and endless to-dos. Gifts to buy, meals to prepare, decorations to hang, events to attend—it can leave even the most organized woman feeling stretched thin. Add sick kids or flu season, and joy feels like it’s slipping away.

But here’s the truth that changed everything: The holiday season isn’t about perfect plans or polished spaces. It’s about creating a home where the relentless love of Jesus is visible in every corner, every action, every interaction. Love that shows up in the mess and meets us in the ordinary—not just the Pinterest-perfect.

HERE’S HOW MY GOOD-BETTER-BEST FRAMEWORK CAN HELP YOU LET HIS LOVE GUIDE YOUR

HOLIDAY HOMEMAKING:

GOOD: Clear a single space silently draining you—like the cluttered kitchen counter, messy desk, or that infamous junk drawer. One small step toward order creates calm and makes room for His love.

BETTER: Organize an area tied to holiday routines—a gift-wrapping station or a basket for incoming mail. A simple system allows busy moments to become peaceful ones, where His

love flows through your intentional spaces.

BEST: Go beyond physical order to create spiritual space. Clear your entryway, living room, or another central area. Invite Jesus into every corner through prayer and intentional rhythms. Ordinary tasks become opportunities to reflect His relentless love to your family and anyone who enters. The holidays don’t have to be defined by perfection, overcommitment, or exhaustion.

They can be defined by the pursuit of love for Jesus, flowing through your home and heart.

Even when things aren’t perfect, His love is present—and that’s the true joy of the season.

So let me ask you: What’s one small step today where you can intentionally let His love shine through?

A PRAYER FOR THE HOMEMAKER THIS CHRISTMAS

Lord, thank You for Your relentless love that never gives up on me. This Christmas, help me

release my striving and make room for You in my home and heart. Teach me to find joy not

in perfect plans but in Your perfect presence. May my home be a reflection of Your peace,

and may everything I do point my family back to You. Amen.

Chrystal Tharp

Author: Crystal Tharp is a Home Organization & Productivity expert, helping busy Christian women go from feeling stressed out, embarrassed, and overwhelmed by their disorganized home, to experiencing more peace, confidence, and balance through habits, routines, and systems that create the organized home and productive lifestyle that