This was in our church bulletin today:

If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show my 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 my 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 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 doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of your 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, 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.

I hope you have a Merry CHRISTmas.

-Author Unknown

[ December 19, 2004, 06:58 PM: Message edited by: Evie ]

Evie: I have been all evening reflecting on
1 Cor. 13 and humming a song about its message!
That chapter should speak to us volumes these days!
Thanks for sharing a great and often forgotten truth!

Have a Blessed Christmas ALL.

[ December 20, 2004, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: Songbird ]

EVie, I'm printing this as we speak. Prayer Group is coming here tomorrow and I'll be reading this. I LOVE IT! Thanks for sharing. What a sweet reminder.

Thanks Evie,
I printed this out to email to my friends soon.
Think they will enjoy reading it.
Maggie