Beyond Words

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with strands of twinkly lights and shiny balls,

but do not show love to my family, I am just a decorator.

 If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies and arranging a beautifully adorned table,

but do not share the true meaning of Christmas, I am just another cook.

 If I volunteer at a soup kitchen, carol in a nursing home, and donate to charity,

but do not demonstrate simple kindness to strangers, it profits me nothing.

 If I attend holiday parties but do not go to mass, I have missed the point.

 Love stops cooking to hug a child.

Love sets aside decorating to kiss a spouse.

Love is kind during the holiday though harried and tired.

 Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china, perfectly strung outdoor lights, or a perfect tree.

 Love doesn’t ask kids to get out of the way but is thankful they are in the way.

 Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return or those on our lists,

but rejoices in giving to those who can’t and those we love.

 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails, especially at Christmas.