JourneyOnline
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 overcommitment?
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!
Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes.
Used by permission. Sharon Jaynes is an author based in North Carolina, USA, who has been in ministry for more than 25 years.
She is a co-founder of Girlfriends in God, Inc., a non-denominational ministry that provides daily online devotions read by approximately 300 000 subscribers
Photo : A family decorates together. Stock image
