I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version

A friend of mine sent this poem to me.  I thought it was beautiful!  There’s only one week to go until Christmas!!!   It’s easy to get caught up in my “to-do” list of shopping, wrapping, and baking.  And though I am trying to make it special and meaningful for my family, I often feel like a failure when my patience is short or things don’t go as I envisioned. This poem reminds me of what really matters and what really lasts..… Love!

1 CORINTHIANS 13 ~ A CHRISTMAS VERSION ~ author unknown

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, 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 mealtime, but do not show love, 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, 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,

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.

Read Full Post »