Merry Christmas!

A friend sent this. . .unfortunately the sweet reminder came to me a bit late and I had already succumbed to the sin of frustration. . .  Praise God for grace upon grace!  Repentance and forgiveness, truly the Christmas story.  Enjoy, repent and live free in Christ.

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 [CHRISTMAS VERSION]







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.Author: Sharon Jaynes


Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas