I Corinthians 13 – A Christmas Version

God's invitation this Christmas is to love

Today’s post is a bit different.  I came across the following version of the “Love Chapter” in the Bible a few years ago (source unknown), and have always wanted a place to share it.  So today, if you’re feeling distracted or harried, consider this my gift (and God’s gift) to you.  May God help us all to truly love those around us as we move one day closer to Christmas…

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, sing carols in a 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 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, endures all things.

Love never fails.  Video games will break, jewelry will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.