SINCERELY SCOTTY by Walter Scott: 1st Corinthians, Christmas Style
As we approach Christmas, we once again find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Buying gifts for our friends and loved ones, planning dinners, decorating the house, going to parties and the list goes on and on. None of that is bad, but sometimes we lose sight of what’s important – the old can’t see the forest for the trees adage applies.
So what is Christmas really all about? Can you pick one word to describe it? I’m sure there are many words one could pick, but I would pick – Love. It is my choice above all others.
Sometime back, I received a version of 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13; it is a Christmas version and I think you will appreciate it. It goes like this:
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 those I love most, 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 house that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in 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, endures all things.
Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, and golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.
Don’t you think that this version is a good representation of the original version of 1st Corinthians?
All too often we read the words, but don’t follow the message. I believe God would approve and let it serve as a reminder to us all in this day and time that Christ was love.
So I ask you, how will you spend your Christmas? Will you be rushing from one party to another? Will you be just another cook? Or will you take the opportunity to spend time with your family, play with your kids, and spend a quiet evening with your husband or wife? Life is short and we should make the most of it, but not at the expense of our loved ones who are the most important part of our life.
Will you take the time to go to church and celebrate the birth of Christ? After all, that is the real purpose of Christmas. Perhaps it isn’t asking too much to give an hour or two in church thanking God for the reason for Christmas.
If you take the “M” out of “Christmas Love”, turn it upside down, and guess what – you get “Christ Was Love.” Think about it.
Merry Christmas,
Scotty and Jacque