Rockingham Remembered
The Christmas Page
Corinthians 13 - The
Christmas Version
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 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
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, golf clubs
will rust.


But giving the gift of love will endure.