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 and friends,
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 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 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 in 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 Unknown ***
