A Christmas Reflection
I came across this in my Christmas file and thought it was worth sharing.
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.”
Christmas is about Christ — the full and complete embodiment of love. He gave fully of Himself without any expectation of something in return. He identified with the downcast, downtrodden and despised. Even at His brutal crucifixion He gave attention to the needs of His mother, spoke hope to the condemned criminal and offered forgiveness to those who unjustly put Him to death.
Knowing what was wrapped up in the gift of love God gave us makes me ask the question, “How can demonstrate love to the people I encounter?” Furthermore, are their activities that I need to eliminate from my schedule to make more time for those I love?
This Christmas join me in lifting your voice with joy and thanksgiving for the marvelous gift that was given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, the personification of love, the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sin, and the promise of a glorious eternity with Him. Accept His gift of love, forgiveness and salvation, and I’ll see you at the top.
Duane Harder
Free Classifieds