Christmas Eve

The angel said to them, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
-Luke 2:10-12

This week as we celebrate Christmas and the coming of Immanuel, God with us, may we give the gift of love to one another.  More than anything, Jesus’ birth was an act of God’s incredible, unending love for us.  1 Corinthians 13 reminds us what love really looks like. I’d like to share a poetic Christmas version by Sharon Jaynes of this beloved passage as a reminder this Christmas.  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love”. – I Cor. 13:13

                 “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.

God, our Life and Light, thank you for coming to us. Thank you for touching all heaven and earth with your splendor.  In every corner of the world, shine with your peace. In every corner of our hearts, shine with your grace. Amen.