First Corinthians 13,
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 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, 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.
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