Sunday, December 19, 2010

Christmas…Another Perspective

The last week before Christmas is upon those of us await the celebration of our Saviour’s birth.  So much to do; so little time to do it.  I read something last week that really made me stop and think….made me want to put it all into perspective.  I thought you might enjoy it too.

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Inspired by Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Dr. Charles Webster wrote:

If I decorate my house perfectly with bows and strands of light, but do not show love, I am just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table, but do not show love, I am just another cook.

If I volunteer at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing homes and give away a lot to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with golden angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend holiday parties and sing in the church choir concert, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss one’s partner.  Love stops the cooking to hug the child.  Love is kind, though harried and tired.  Love does not envy another’s home with 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 to only 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 the gift of love will endure.    

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I think Dr. Webster has been peeking in my windows :)  Give yourself a break…take time to enjoy the miracle!~~Susan

15 comments:

  1. Oh, did I ever need to hear that. Thanks for the reminder.

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  2. This was just beautiful. May I link it to my facebook?

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  3. I love this! Thanks for such a sweet reminder about keeping the proper attitude during the holidays. This was very well said!

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  4. Susan, this is such a great reminder! I took every single word to heart.
    "Love is kind through harried and tired". Wonderful.
    I'll be a whole lot more aware of Loving like the ONE who loves me this Christmas!
    I'm sending this to some of my firends.
    xo Yvonne

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  5. Love to you this Christmas season... thanks for the wonderful post.

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  6. Susan, this is such a beautiful reminder. I hope all is well your way... Happy Holidays!
    hugs ~lynne~

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  7. Susan, this is the best post of the season so far! Thanks for reminding me what it is really all about! hugs, Linda

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  8. What a great post! We need to be more like Mary and less like Martha -- this is hard to do at the holiday season! Joni

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  9. A wonderful post you have given us! And so, so true. I hope you have a wonderful holiday -- Merry Christmas to you and yours, especially that adorable little boy in the photo! ;)
    Best regards,
    Gloria

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  10. Now who wouldn't just fall in love with that adorable litle green face? Thanks for sharing him!

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  11. Beautiful post Susan - the photos and the words. Thank you for making me stop and think and love! Have a wonderful Christmas. laurie

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  12. Well said. We put too much pressure on ourselves.
    Enjoy this blessed holy day!

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  13. I loved reading this, Sue & have copied & sent it on to my DD. Thank you!

    Congratulations on the upcoming nuptials in your family. Yes, it WILL be a busy year!

    Have a wonderfully Blessed Merry Christmas & more importantly, a HEALTHY New Year! Thanks for your friendship & all your inspiration this past year, Sue.
    fondly,
    Rett

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