I Corinthians 13 Christmas

Most of us somewhere along the way have heard the Bible scripture from I Corinthians 13.  Perhaps in church or maybe at a wedding.  If you haven’t ever read it or haven’t read it recently, now would be a good time to do that.  It speaks about the importance of love and that without it everything we do is really meaningless.  You can click here to get a link for you to read it on line.  We came across a paraphrased version of this beautiful scripture that adds a whole new perspective to all the activities that we will be engaging in during this holiday 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 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

Remember…. of all the things we will do this holiday season, giving love is far and away the most important…in fact it is really all that is important.  Giving love was first God’s idea.  “For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten son.”  We can show love because God first showed it to us.   And it is a gift that any of us can afford, it is always a perfect “fit”, and no matter how much someone has they can always use more.  Love….it’s the perfect gift any time 🙂