I Corinthians 13: Christmas Version

Thanks to First Presby, Jeanne, for this:

• 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 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 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, 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, 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.