1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

This devotional and poem are written by Sharon Jaynes of Girlfriends of God

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 celebrate the reason He came.
Today, I want to share a poem that I wrote a few years ago that helps me keep a proper perspective.

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 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, 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.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

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!

More From The Girlfriends: It is hard not to get caught up in the pre-Christmas swirl of activity and to lose focus of what's important. If you would like ways to keep Jesus the focus of your holiday season, you'll love Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes. It's packed with helpful ideas and inspiration.