13 December, 2006

Christmas In Perspective

I CORINTHIANS 12 - 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,
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, 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 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, pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.*

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Life is Good!

*author unknown

2 comments:

Ancestor Collector said...

On this day before my Christmas luncheon when I'm absolutely crazy busy, this was the perfect way to start the morning. This is absolutely beautiful!! May I copy it and send it along to others who I know will love it too? And may I credit the author?

Thank you for reminding me that I am not "just another cook". Hugs!!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I am absolutely not the author, author is unknown; I am adding that to the blog right now.