1 Corinthians 13

A Christmas version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling

lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, friends,

neighbors and co-workers, 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, friends, neighbors and

co-workers, 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, friends, neighbors

and co-workers, 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 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.

-Author Unknown

photos The Schell Cafe