1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version (Paraphrased)

This version of 1 Corinthians 13 was sent to me in an e-mail and I thought it would be great to share with you here. It illustrates so well the common mindset of women during this busy holiday season. I pray that you won't see yourself reflected in its lines! Merry Christmas, Everyone!

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not love 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 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 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 husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated china and table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but it 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 giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, 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.
You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.


**What are you focusing on this Christmas season? Let's all take a moment to remember why this holiday even exists...God sent his son Jesus to be born so that we all may be saved from sin. In all the hustle and bustle, try to set aside time to appreciate and give thanks for the miracle of God's goodness.

Blessings to you and yours!

Comments

  1. destinyDecember 13, 2007 at 11:58 AM

    I love this, Ashlie! And, I needed to read it! I get so busy this time of year and I have to really try hard to stay focused and make myself slow down. I find myself wanting to hurry and "get through" the holidays when I should really slow down and enjoy them and focus on God's love and "indescribable gift"!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CandyDecember 13, 2007 at 7:43 PM

    Thanks for sharing this with us! What a great reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LauraDecember 19, 2007 at 10:41 AM

    Hey, I really needed that. Thank you so much for sharing. Michael & I just had a fight this week because I wasn't paying attention to him during all of my Christmas shopping and running around. I needed this reminder!

    ReplyDelete
  4. BeckyDecember 22, 2007 at 7:46 AM

    I loved reading this entry....such a good reminder. Also, thank you SO much for the adorable Christmas card!! The scenery looked SO wonderful and peaceful....please tell your hubby Merry Christmas from us!! Can't wait to hear all about your Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AngelaDecember 24, 2007 at 7:51 AM

    Wow...this is great! I, too, needed to hear this. Believe it or not, I have actually been to your blog before today and saw this up but was too "busy" to read it. Busy trying to do many of those things. Thanks for putting this up...I have it saved to my computer so I can pull it out next year. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  6. SteffJanuary 6, 2008 at 11:16 AM

    I received this in an email too. It was a great reminder that with all the busyness of the holidays we shouldn't forget the main focus of the season...Jesus! That is also a great attitude for us to carry into the new year as well!

    Hope you had a great Christmas and that your new year is shaping up to be the best one yet!

    ReplyDelete
  7. LisaJanuary 9, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    Hi Ashlie,

    I just found your blog and have enjoyed reading through your posts. I hope you keep posting and I'd love to hear more about deer hunting as that's not very popular where I live (in Australia).

    Summer

    ReplyDelete

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