1 Corinthians 13: Christmas- Style

©By Sharon Jaynes

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass 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 home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of your 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, 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.

I get these Girlfriends in God devotionals through email and this poem was part of today's devotional. I read through it and I just thought it was so great! Not only is 1 corinthians 13 the Love chapter, but what a great way to combine it through poetry and remind me and us that no matter how many pretty little things we make or cook for the holidays, if I forget to love my family, my husband, and forget that I am celebrating Jesus' birth and resurrection than, yup, I've missed it and I don't want to miss Jesus and His message or my family. Hope you all have a great Christmas and be encouraged today to love.