I keep a lot of stuff (notice my office and my large files on the church computer!). I kept this so that I could read it during the busiest weeks of the year to make sure my priorities are properly arranged in the order of most importance. I pray you find it a blessing as well. Merry Christmas with LOTS of LOVE!
First Corinthians 13 — Christmas Version
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strings of
twinkling lights, and shiny balls, but do not show love to my
family, I am 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 am just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the 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 crystal 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, or kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried or tired.
Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas
china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids or other family to get out of the
way, but is thankful that they are there to get 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, and golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.