S — Scripture
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1–2 (NIV)
O — Observation
Paul begins by reminding me of the most important truth:
👉 I am deeply loved by God.
Before I achieve anything. Before I prove anything. I am already His beloved child.
And because I am loved, God invites me to imitate Him — not by doing spectacular things, but through the simple, everyday “walk” of love.
Paul uses that word “walk” (peripateō) again and again in Ephesians to show how faith moves into my daily life:
- I walk worthy of who I am in Christ (4:1)
- I walk no longer as I once did (4:17)
- I walk in love (5:2)
- I walk as a child of light (5:8)
- I walk wisely with the time God gives me (5:15)
A step. Then another step. Following Jesus isn’t a performance — it’s a direction.
And Jesus shows me what that direction looks like:
Love that moves toward people.
Love that serves.
Love that gives itself away.
His whole life was a beautiful fragrance rising to God —
love expressed in action, fulfilled in sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 13 calls this the “most excellent way.”
Not a way of success… but a way of love.
A — Application (Christmas Focus)
Christmas reminds me that God’s love did not stay distant or theoretical.
Love came near — the Giver becoming the Gift — love giving Himself for me.
So how do I walk in that same love this Christmas?
Maybe I…
- Pause and see someone who feels invisible
- Offer a listening ear, not just holiday busyness
- Give a gift with care and intention
- Forgive without a grudge
- Welcome someone into my celebration who needs belonging
Every small act of love —
even the hidden ones —
can become a fragrant offering to God.
My Christmas doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful.
It becomes beautiful when I walk in love like Jesus.
This Christmas, I want my steps to tell the story of the Savior who stepped into my world.
P — Prayer
Father, thank You that I am Your dearly loved child.
Jesus, thank You for coming close — for giving Yourself fully for me.
This Christmas, help me walk in Your way of love.
Show me someone who needs Your kindness through me.
Make my life a quiet gift back to You —
a fragrance that brings You joy.
Amen.
