A Servant-Hearted Christmas

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

Last night, I sat and made my grocery list. The week of Christmas adds quite unusual things to the page. For example, I will put at least one stick of butter in everything I make this week. And only once a year do I ever intentionally write “Snowflake Ritz” or “Peppermint Extract” on my list.

It makes me so giddy! My shopping list tells me that the time has come! Company is on the way! In a few short days my home will be loud with crazy, excited cousins, laughter, big hugs and way too much food. You and your family should come. Really. There will be plenty.

And as I prepare my home and bake my dishes, I can’t help but think of Jesus coming to us; His underlying intention and motivation – service.

The Son of Man came to serve us.

As you are busy this week stirring your last batch of Chex Mix, wrapping gifts, dusting your home, changing sheets for guests, your grocery budget bursting with all of the extras, just remember…you bear the image of the Baby who came, not to be served, but to serve.

Serve(diakoneō)- to be an attendant, domestic, to wait upon a) to minister to one b) to wait at a table and offer food and drink to the guests c) of women preparing food

Look at that definition. The word used in Matthew 20:28 literally means to serve as one offering food and drink to guests. Sweet Jesus came to wait on us. To offer us the bread and drink that would indefinitely satisfy. His very character is that of a servant. Giving His life away for others.

“True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service. Where the difference is noted the true servant seems to be often drawn to the small service, not out of false modesty, but because he genuinely sees it as the important service. He indiscriminately welcomes all opportunities to serve. True service rests contented in hiddenness. It does not fear the lights and blare of attention, but it does not seek them either. Since it is living out of a new Center of Reference the divine nod of approval is completely sufficient.”-Celebration of Discipline, R. Foster

This week, I pray my heart is to minister as Jesus did. Selflessly. Discreetly. Joyfully. Putting others’ needs before my own. Giving my life away for my family and ultimately my Savior. Rejoicing in the Babe who came and paved the way. Proving to be the perfect example of service and humility.

Merry Christmas, sweet readers. I am unspeakably thankful for you. It is an honor to serve you here. I pray your home is full of the love of Christ this Christmas. Sweet Emmanuel. He is with us!

(And speaking of indiscriminate service… “Thank you! Thank you!” whoever put this on my porch. I love it.)

Blessings! Blessings!