Inspiration

If you like this one, there is another version of the "Love Chapter" (1 Corinthians 13) rewritten for Christmas here. 

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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 a 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,  have missed the point.

"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold."

- Aristotle

"It's what you give that makes an impact on this world, regardless of the things you have."

- Jennifer Betts

Sarah and her thirteen-year-old sister had been fighting a lot this year. (This happens when you combine a headstrong three-year-old, who is sure she is always right, with a young adolescent.)

Sarah's parents, trying to take advantage of her newfound interest in Santa Claus, reminded the two-year-old that Santa was watching and doesn't like it when children fight. This had little impact.

"I'll just have to tell Santa about your misbehavior," the mother said as she picked up the phone and dialed.

Sarah's eyes grew big as her mother asked "Mrs. Claus" (really Sarah's aunt; Santa's real line was busy) if she could put Santa on the line.

Sarah's mouth dropped open as Mom described to Santa (Sarah's uncle) how the two-year-old was acting.

But, when Mom said that Santa wanted to talk to her, she reluctantly took the phone.