I Corinthians 13: Christmas Style

I received this email from a friend and thought I’d share it…

1 Corinthians 13: Christmas Style
By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of
twinkling lights, and shiny glass 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 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, 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.

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Let’s Pray,

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, that
starry night in Bethlehem. Like the Shepherds, I am still amazed at
Your great love. May I not lose sight of the true meaning of
Christmas, but celebrate Jesus’ birthday with joy!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen