This is Day 23 of the 30 Days of Giving: Making Christmas Meaningful campaign, which is designed to bring the Believe.com community creative and practical ways to cheerfully give this holiday season through gifts, relationships and charity. Come visit the 30 Days of Giving Advent Calendar each day in our countdown to Christmas for intriguing and original ways to help you to experience and spread the spirit of joyful giving that God intended throughout the holiday season.

In the Bible, God gives us the following admonition:

And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins. —1 Peter 4:8

That’s good advice for anyone, but especially for married couples.

Any time you join two people together in such a close relationship, they’re bound to have some struggles. Fortunately, love acts as the glue that holds a marriage together, even when the road gets bumpy. It inspires a couple to put in the work necessary to navigate those bumps.

There are many ways to show love to your spouse, and Christmas is a perfect time because you can express yourself with meaningful gifts. Choose an option that includes the Scripture as a way to share both your own and God’s love. Here are several suggestions:

A Calendar of Scripture-based Quotes and Affirmations

You’ll find many such calendars online and in Christian and mainstream bookstores. Some have one Scripture quote for each month, coupled with inspiring pictures, while others have a special affirmation for each day of the year.

A calendar is a practical gift that your spouse will use every day. Because of this, it will act as a reminder of your love for the next 12 months, as well as feeding your partner’s soul with a regular dose of inspiring Scripture.

A Study Bible

Most of us would love more time to study the Bible, but it’s hard to fit in a formal study group when we’re busily working and tending to our own needs and those of our families. Give your spouse a study Bible so he or she can learn more about the Word of God when it’s most convenient instead of trying to squeeze in a class.

Study Bibles come in many different types. There are special versions targeted to men or women and some that focus on a specific area, like the Psalms or the New Testament. Some allow you to go through the entire Bible in the space of a year, and some have room for journaling your thoughts on the study material. Choose the type that you know would be most useful for your partner.

A Daily Meditation Book

Like a calendar, this is another gift that lasts for the whole year. Bookstores and websites have a wide range of Scripture-based meditation books designed to be read as an inspiration first thing in the morning or a way to wind down before bed.

Some have themes, like stress reduction, parenting, or managing a hectic life. Others simply offer a daily journey through the Scripture. Select a theme that will be the most meaningful for your spouse. The book will be a reminder of your love every time he or she picks it up for a dose of inspiration.

A Journal with Inspirational Scripture Quotes

God spoke to Elijah in a small, still voice, and that’s how He chooses to speak to many Christians today. The trick is to make an effort and listen to what He’s saying, but all too often He gets drowned out by the din of daily responsibilities.

Gift your spouse with a journal that’s empty except for Bible quotes to kick off each day’s entry. Writing in a journal is one of the best ways to connect with God. That small, still voice inspires you as you let your hand fill the page freely. Giving a journal to your spouse provides that important medium for God to speak and guide.

A Book of Couples’ Affirmations

Individual meditation books are great, but your spouse will really feel your love if you buy an affirmation book meant to be studied throughout the year by couples. Not only are you giving the gift of a book but also a commitment for the gift of time. With an affirmation book, you carve out time to read the daily lessons together for the next year.

Keep your love alive and your relationship healthy as you read an affirmation together each evening. The Scripture-based lessons are a great basis for discussion and mutual prayer.

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