Saturday, December 13, 2008

I Corinthians 13: A Christmas Version

My Friend Kim sent me this and I wanted to share it with you.  I hope that we all don't loose the real meaning of what this season is really about!
 
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 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 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 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 forevermore.



 


11 comments:

CntryMomma said...

Okay you just made me cry! I was just reading this "real" scriptures to the girls two nights ago. Gonna copy this and send it to my friends!

Thanks for sharing!

LORI

Leah said...

I love this! Can I borrow? I'll link back to you. Have a good weekend.

Martha said...

I really liked this!! I put it on my blog, I hope you don't mind!

He & Me + 3 said...

That was in my online devotional the other day and I thought is was just awesome!

Yellow Beads said...

that is beautiful!!! I needed it tonight--just not quite feeling the Christmas spirit this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I steal this?? I will definately link back to your post - and give you credit.

He is the reason for everything. God bless you!!

Tammy said...

that was so awsome!! One I've never read before - thanks! must share with my friends :)

Amanda said...

Great message AShley!! I thank you for the reminder!

Many blessings-
Amanda

Rae said...

So powerful! Such a wonderful reminder!!!

Yellow Beads said...

Hey, it's me again.... I am doing a giveaway this week on my blog, so please stop by when you get a minute: http://www.anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/

Rissa said...

Hey yea.. sure I'll come go on a cleaning spree for ya... probably will have to crash at your house for the nite..sooo let me know when you want me their lol.. Hope you have a great start to a wonderful blessed week!!