1 CORINTHIANS 13 AT CHRISTMAS

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid
bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny
balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m
just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens
of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet
meals and arranging a beautifully adorned
table at mealtime, but do not show love to
my family, I’m just another cook.
If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the
nursing home and give all that I have to
charity, but do not show love to my family, it
profits me nothing.
If I trim the tree with shimmering angels and
crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of
holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata
but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the
point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the
husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has
coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the
way.
Love doesn’t give only to those who are able
to give in return but rejoices in giving to
those who can’t.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will
rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.

Wishing all a happy and Blessed Christmas!