Corinthians

1 Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version! If I decorate my house perfectly with red bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny stars, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of mince pies and preparing gourmet meals but do not show love to my in-laws, I'm just another cook. If I work at a soup kitchen and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and sparkling snowflakes, and sing in the choir 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 or wife. 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 children 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 being able to give to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Computer games will break, cashmere jumpers will wear out, puzzle pieces will get lost. But giving the gift of love will last for ever. Merry Christmas!