ove is for Christmas

"Love is patient, love is kind."
(1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV)

If I decorate my house perfectly with
plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights
and shiny balls, but do not show love to
family and friends, 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 family and friends,
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 family and friends, 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 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.
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.