Wednesday, December 1, 2010

If I Have Not Love....

First Corinthians 13
~ Christmas Version ~
Author Unknown 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 can work at a soup kitchen, carol in the 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 the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful that they are there to be in the way. Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who cannot. Love bears all things, believes in 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 forever. So this Christmas, be sure to share the love! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

6 comments:

Lorrie said...

A wonderful reminder of all that's really important. Thanks for sharing.

~*~Patty S said...

Love it :)
and the gently falling snowflakes too!
fa la la
oxo

Unknown said...

LOVE this! I need a copy of this to reread! I more Martha than Mary and get caught up in the doing.

:)

Shane Pollard said...

Dear Linda
That's what Christmas is all about.
What a beautiful poem - thank you.
If we can take a few moments, amid the chaos to 'be still' then we can get things back in perspective.
Christmas hugs
Shane x

Dogwood said...

Thank you for the wonderful reminder of what this Holiday Season is all about!

Enjoy your weekend.

Chic Cottage Junk said...

Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing this in our harried world! Thanks, also, for taking the time to visit my blog.

Merry Christmas.

Sue