A Christmas Version of 1st Corinthians 13
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 share the true meaning of Christmas, 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 demonstrate kindness to strangers, it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir 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, and 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.
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
(Author Unknown)
Hat tip to Julie at Miss Glass is Half Full...
Thanks for sharing this!
Posted by: Kievas | December 22, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Thanks and Merry Christmas from the frozen, snowy North!
Posted by: Auntie Knickers | December 22, 2008 at 10:40 PM
How true it is! Thanks, and Merry Christmas (will y'all be wearing shorts this year?)
Posted by: annie | December 22, 2008 at 10:51 PM
This is just wonderful! Thank you for sharing it.
Posted by: Presbyterian Gal | December 22, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Amen! This is wonderful, and so very, very true.
Posted by: Lauralew | December 24, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Mama,
I really liked this post; however, I went to Miss Glass is half full blog (which I enjoyed) and she has been doing the "Friday Five" post. I was just wondering if you were going to be doing those AGAIN? :)
Posted by: Allison | December 24, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Just stopping by to wish you a Merry Christmas.
Posted by: chartreuseova | December 25, 2008 at 01:24 PM
A belated Merry Christmas and all the best for 2009.
Posted by: Sue | January 02, 2009 at 02:32 PM