I Corinthians 13 for the Holidays
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and
shiny balls, but do not show love to family and friends, 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 family and friends, 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 family and friends, 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, 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.