Chaplain’s Musings for Advent

1 CORINTHIANS13 (Advent and Christmas version)

If I bake a Christmas cake and dozens of mince pies but have not love – I’m just another harassed family cook.
If I decorate my house with outdoor fairy lights and a twinkling Christmas tree but have not love – I’m just wasting electricity.
If I write a hundred Christmas cards and stick a newsletter in each one but have not love – I only gain writer’s cramp.

Love stops baking – to phone a friend in need.
Love stops decorating – to hug a child.
Love stops shopping – to visit a lonely neighbour.

Love does not envy the colour co-ordinated Christmas decorations in another’s house nor the neatly wrapped presents under a neighbour’s tree.
Love does not write vain Christmas letters boasting of this year’s achievements.
Love does not just send cards to those who can return the favour nor only buy presents for those who can return the favour.
Love does not work out how much a friend will spend on you and then seek not to spend a penny more.
Love knows the joy of giving without counting the cost.

Love is patient when faced with a queue at the shops and smiles at those sharing the experience.
Love does not get angry and shout at the kids to stay out of the way.
It keeps no records of wrongs.

Love bears all things,
Believes all things,
Hopes all things and
Endures all things.

Love never fails.
Computer games break.
Christmas trees drop their needles
Necklaces will be lost and golf clubs / bicycle paraphernalia will rust
Chocolates soon vanish
But the gift of Love endures for ever.

Love is not just for Christmas
It lasts the whole year through.
Christ is not just for Christmas
He longs to stay with you forever.
Amen.

Judith Merrell

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