First Corinthians 13 - The Christmas Version
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 meal time, 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 spruce 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 spouse; Love is kind, even when 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, but is thankful they are
there to be in 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.