Thursday, December 16, 2010

Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13

With Christmas being just 11 days away, what are you focusing on this
Christmas season?

A friend of mine found the passage below, and it illustrates so well
the common mindset during this busy holiday season.

An ingenious interpretation of the classic 1 Corinthians 13 that
captures the true spirit of Christmas, and I want to share it with
you.



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 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. Forever.



I guess this is the kind of Christmas that Jesus had in mind when He
gave his life for us on the cross. So ,wherever you are (here or back
home in your country), enjoy one another this Christmas, embrace the
true spirit of love, and love each other as though there is no
tomorrow.


Thanks Nancy for forwarding this to me - it's a keeper!

1 comment: