Love, I Corinthians Style

Love, I Corinthians 13 Style
By Sharon Jaynes
“Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas”

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—it profits me nothing.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and give all 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 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 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.
Videogames will break; pearl necklaces will be lost;
Golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.