December 16, 2009
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
Today’s Truth
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV).
Friend To Friend
With Christmas just around the corner, it is easy to get so busy with the cooking, decorating and shopping that we forget why we’re doing all this in the first place. Sometimes, the very people we love get lost in the hustle and bustle of packed schedules, holiday parties, and Christmas musicals. This Christmas, let’s keep our focus on Jesus and not forget to invite the honored guest to His own birthday celebration.
Today, I want to share a poem that I wrote a few years ago that helps me keep a proper perspective on Christmas.
1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style
©By Sharon Jaynes
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely 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 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 home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of your 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, 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.
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, that starry night in Bethlehem. Like the Shepherds, I am still amazed at Your great love. May I not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, but celebrate Jesus’ birthday with joy!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
What are some ways that you can make sure to love your family well this holiday season?
Are there any activities that you need to eliminate from your busy schedule to alleviate over-commitment? Is your family being neglected because of a hectic Christmas schedule?
If that question wasn’t painful enough, here’s another one. Is Jesus being neglected as you prepare for His birthday? Ouch! I just stomped on my own toe!
Comments 4
Thank you so much for your poem. For many years I have dreaded and disliked Christmas because of all the expectations placed on my by others. Somewhere I have gotten off the path of what this season is really all about. Please pray that I am able to get back where I belong, which is Christ centered. I tried to write on your wall on face-book, but was unable to figure out how, although I can do it on everyone elses.
Thank you again.
Sharon,
That’s a beautiful poem! That is so true!
I wanted to let you know that I am going to put your poem on my blog. I hope that you don’t mind. If you do just let me know.
Thanks and God Bless!
The Christmas holiday should be stopped. God never intended for us to celebrate the Birth of our Savior because we would get too caught up in the secular and not in the spiritual. A Savior was born to redeem us back to God, not for celebrating His birth. That is why God tells us not to worship idols. The whole idea of the way the world celebrates our Redeemer’s entrance is NOT what God wants. As we can see, the whole meaning to a lot of people is, “Black Friday” pushing and shoving, crowding malls and shopping centers, over spending, and greed. I am very sure that God is not pleased. We have made this Holy season into a secular season, telling children that santa is going to bring toys. What a BIG lie. God is about truth. That is why we do not know when Jesus was born, because we do not know how to stop idolizing everything! God said not to put anything before Him.Our salvation is not based on how we celebrate Jesus’ birth or anything else. It is based on our total commitment, and obedience to His will. Being forgiven of our sins, being filled with the Holy Ghost and living a fruitful life before God is what will save us from the greatest wrath of God that is coming to this earth and sooner than we think!
I’ve been reading a few posts and really and enjoy your writing. I’m thinking of linking to your posts from my site , just let me know if it’s feasible , thanks !