First Corinthians 13 - A Christmas Version

2 things I struggle with (well there are many more but Blogger does have a memory limit)

ONE: One of the greatest joys of home schooling is that you have your children home with you all day, everyday. You watch them learn, hear their stories, comfort their pain. One of the greatest downfalls to home schooling is that you have your children home with you all day, everyday. They constantly have questions, a trip to run errands is a huge production, and you can rarely go to the bathroom without being interrupted.

TWO: Christmas is a wonderful time of year. What a great thing to celebrate; the coming of our Saviour!!!! But the line between the Christian celebration and what the world has made it out to be has become so blurred I'm not even sure where to begin at sorting out what is part of which side.

At this time of year these two really seem to clash together.

This morning one of my home school newsletters posted the following, which really spoke to me. Guess I'm not the only one working on this issue; and of course, the answer is always found in the Word.

Think I'm going to go and spend the day snuggling with my kids!

First Corinthians 13
Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny 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:
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.

--Author Unknown