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,
I have missed the point

Love stops the cooking to hug the child
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse
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 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,
golf clubs will rust;
But giving the gift of love will endure