A Christmas Version of 1st Corinthians 13

Okay...this speaks to me.

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 share the true meaning of Christmas,
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 demonstrate kindness to strangers, it profits me
nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and
snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in
the choir 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.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope
and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Author Unknown