The Love Chapter: Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny ornaments, 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 a 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 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 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 came across this reading while looking for things to share in our little family concert that we gave last night. (and found the song, by the way. yay!) God helped us, despite the fact that we have been fighting various and sundry MISERABLE flus for two weeks. I have so many pics and even some videos I want to share, but am just too wiped out, to be honest. The children had their piano recital, and we were so proud of them both. I'll try to get the pics and videos up later. Blessings on you all during this harried season!