I met with a future First Church bride briefly this week and we began to talk about scriptures to focus on at her wedding in March. She wanted something very thoughtful and challenging, but specifically mentioned that she didn’t’ want I Corinthians 13 because she hears it at every wedding. I understood her desire to make her wedding unique – not ordinary - and there are many great scriptures that speak to genuine love, but you really can’t beat I Corinthians 13. In my opinion, it is the best definition of love the world has ever heard!” Love is patient, love is kind.” But, in the spirit of “freshness”; here’s The Christmas Version of I Corinthians 13 for your thoughtful consideration.

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, 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’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but it thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn’t five 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, 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.

I don’t know who crafted this version, but the last line rings especially true, “But giving the gift of love will endure.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16. That’s undoubtedly the most beloved scripture in God’s Holy Word. That’s what Christmas is really about; even Linus of Peanut’s fame knows that as he shares the Christmas Story from Luke 2 annually in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Our family watched it again this last week.
We’re “unwrapping “ the Gifts of Advent every Sunday in Worship; as well as lighting the Advent candles and enjoying great special music from our First Kids Children’s Choirs and our adult Advent Choir too.
It’s been fun to be “The Featured Church of the Week” on The House FM this week. Hope you’ve had a chance to listen in. Looking forward to seeing you and yours this Sunday! Don’t forget the “Stocking Stuffing Party” right after Worship. Christmas blessings

Yours in His Love,

Pastor Mark

PS –Be sure to invite your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to “Tapestry of Light” our Choir Cantata on Sunday December 18 at 6:00. Get your Christmas Week off to a fantastic start!