Christmas Countdown! #22 1Corinthians 13

A CHRISTMAS VERSION OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,

strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,

but do not show love, 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, 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, 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 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.

Skateboards will break, 

new earrings will be lost,

golf clubs will rust,

but giving the gift of love will endure forever!