“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”

John 3:16

Christmas has a way of magnifying everything—our joys, our stress, our hopes, and our insecurities. As husbands, many of us feel stretched thin this time of year. Work tugs at us. Bills glare at us. Family needs pull us in every direction. And for those who are unemployed or under-employed, Christmas can add a painful layer of feeling inadequate or useless.

Life gets so busy and so heavy that thinking of others almost feels impossible. “When do I get some me-time?” you might wonder. And when someone brings up the idea of sacrifice, it’s easy to think, “I’m already pouring out everything I have” or “I’m already in a constant state of sacrifice.”

But the truth is this: true sacrifice—biblical sacrifice—is an intentional act of love. It’s not about giving from emptiness; it’s about giving from purpose.

And Christmas is the season where God showed us the clearest picture of what purposeful sacrifice looks like. John 3:16 reminds us that God didn’t just say He loved us—He gave the most precious gift He had. Love moved Him to action.

As husbands, we often love our families deeply, but the real challenge is loving them in the way they need, not just the way we prefer or is convenient. Sometimes that means laying down what’s comfortable: our time, our plans, our routine, our sense of control, even our pride. Not because we’re failing, but because we’re following the example of the One who gave everything for us.

Sacrifice rooted in love can look simple but powerful like the following:

• showing patience when stress is high

• taking on a loved one’s burden without being asked

• listening fully without distractions

• working hard to provide—not just money, but stability, presence, and emotional     
  strength

• choosing peace and compromise instead of defending our resentment

• offering encouragement instead of criticism

• allowing God to examine our hearts to shape our priorities

Sometimes the hardest sacrifice isn’t what we do on the outside, but what we surrender on the inside.

And when the weight feels too heavy—when sacrifice feels less like holiness and more like impossibility—remember this: God does not ask you to give what He will not empower you to offer. The same God who gave the world His Son gives you the strength, grace, and courage to love your family in ways that reflect Him.

Closing thoughts:

Perhaps this Christmas the greatest gift you can provide is not wrapped but given through your presence, humility, and love. Whether you feel overwhelmed by work or discouraged by the lack of it, or feel like you are less appreciated and left out, remember, your worth isn’t found in your job title, your paycheck, or how many “atta boys” you’re getting. Your worth was settled the moment Jesus was born in a manger and later died on a cross. You are loved, chosen, and called—right where you are. Let God’s gift reshape how you give. Let His love redefine how you love. Let His strength carry you as you sacrifice—not out of pressure, but out of Christlike purpose.

Chris Shaw