Speaking of love.

I've never been this ahead of things for Christmas. Is it alright if I brag just once more? All the gifts are bought, all except what's still coming from UPS are wrapped, decorations are set out. I can kind of relax and enjoy Christmas--the movies, the music, the cookies, the Advent season, the waiting, the teaching, and the peppermint lattes. I have time to worship God for his plan, for sending Gabriel to tell Mary about a specific baby who ended up being born outside with cows and sheep in a little town an ocean away from me, a little baby who had something specific to do and to tell us--that we are loved, thought of, planned for, remembered, and saved by our Creator. I have some time to remember that. I guess I have some extra time this season to love. As of yesterday, I'm also on a "yelling fast." Does that count? More on that later maybe.

 

Speaking of love anyway, I found this today by an unknown author. I like it. You might too...

1 Corinthians 13 for Christmas

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny glass 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 the soup kitchen, carol in a 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 the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops cooking to hug a 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 Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of 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 and golf clubs will rust. 

But giving the gift of love endures.