During this time of year, it is so easy to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and we can forget why we’re doing all this in the first place.
Celebrating Jesus.
Sharing the love of Jesus with others.
So today I pause and recall the words that I wrote several years ago.
Let’s soak in these words like we really mean it…
First 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 contada 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.
How will you show love to your family and friends this Christmas. Please leave a comment and let’s share ideas.
Comments 17
Put words of encouragement, in a special note with each gift !
I have sent a gift to someone who has turned her back to me. I don’t know why she has cut off communication. However, I will always love her as she is my daughter. My Love combined with God’s mercy always conquers evil! Praise God
Love always prevails. My sister has been holding a grudge for a few years over the planning of our parent’s 50th Anniversary party. She felt like she did it all, despite her wishes to “do it all.” (My brother and I live out of town.) She has refused to talk to me/text/come to parents’ house for Christmas during my visits. I keep texting and calling. Every week, even though I know she will not respond. Last week, she did… after 4 years! Love… give without reservation… Looking forward to seeing her in a few days… Praying for a sweet reconnection. I have missed her… I only have one sister, and I long to have a relationship with her that we can continue to nourish and grow.
Though iam far from my family will make sure I pray,call and share the love of God together more so express my love for them.
This is awesome ! I hope I can keep this in my heart and DO It. I will definitely pray about it. Thank you so much. I’ve never heard love during Christmas expressed so well. GOD BLESS YOU.
hi Sharon: I think the greatest gift to give is ‘ forgiveness.’
hearts can be mended, relationships restored when we say – ‘I am sorry,please forgive me.
ALL YOUR WORDS ARE TRUE. I PRAY THAT I WILL REMEMBER THOSE LESS FORTUNATE ALL OF THE COMING YEAR AND ALSO FAMILY
Amen, sister-in-Christ! Thanks for sharing.
Christmas blessings to you and yours in our new-born King!
I will give big hugs and kisses all season and everyday to my family and friends, also those who look like they need a hug. Love and kisses to all.
Thanks, Sharon! That’s what we all need to hear!
I don’t shower my loved ones with expensive presents instead I bake nice things for them and spend quality time with them at xmas plus xmas mass extra special prayers offered up for them as they live a distance away from me will also be joining a friend for mass xmas day who has lost her loved one it is out of my parish but where ever I worship God is there
I will love my friends and family as Jesus Christ, my Savior, has taught me. I will enjoy their presence during this holiday season and take time to remind them that Jesus is the reason for the season. God bless you and yours, Sharon, during this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ!
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I am going to Love my Family like never before and let them know they matter to me! My Husband is a special gift just for me! My parents are 80 and 68, won’t be with them this year but they are always in my Heart! My 3 Sisters will be home with Dad & Mom! Have a Blessed Christmas Sharon! Have the Happiest of New Years!
Very beautiful and convicting post! I definitely need to not envy all the Christmas setups I see in people’s social media posts, and I need to take more time to love my kids and husband. Thanks for sharing.
Hi! I completly “envy”/ admiration for you Sharron! Please pray for me and my family; as I read GIG devotion for today my heart broke. My husband and I are a mere image of violent arguments/ passive aggressive silence as it speaks of in the devo…my children, even messier ;(.. (Ages,21,14,11,9,7,& 5. 18 yrs married.
We covet your prayers!
Sincerely,
Angel
Ps. We now have a new tradition! ( I have been praying for something so very meaningful as this one, “wrap a gift for Jesus- about something I will change”)