Christmas Love

I came across this when my children were in elementary school, and it helped me keep my sanity during the busyness of the holidays.  I would remember some of these lines as I counted out beads for 3rd graders, baked dozens of cookies, and helped with various other projects that seemed to be important at the time.

I wish I could claim it, but I'm happy to give credit where credit is due -- a wonderful Christian author and speaker, Sharon Jaynes.  Be sure to check out her website to see some of her other works!

Love I Corinthians 13 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 contada 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.

Keep this in mind as you're rushing around the next couple of weeks ~~  Merry Christmas, Y'all!