1 Corinthians chapter 13 is often called the great “love chapter.” With this is mind, someone has written a Christmas version of it. Somewhere down through the years I picked up a copy and stuck it in my file folder marked “Christmas,” but I honestly don’t even remember doing it. Likewise, I would gladly attribute full credit to the author, but the name isn’t provided. So, I’ll just offer the piece as it reads according to the printout I have. I hope you enjoy it. Better yet, I hope you put it into practice this Christmas season.

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 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 my tree has gleaming angels and crocheted snowflakes,

And I attend a myriad of parties, and sing in the 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 a loved one.

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, gold clubs will rust…

But giving the gift of love will endure.