1 Corinthans 13 - A 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
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 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 cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss
the wife. Love is kind,
though harried
and tired. Love doesn't envy
another homethat 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.
