We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.
Brother Lawrence
Christmas is the tale of a father and his children. The Father saw his precious children lost in darkness and He made a plan that considered how to save His children and to bring them light. His service of love, His life laid out, His whole self given generously to serve was personified through the life of Christ, God become man.
The heart of Christmas is a loving father serving those He cherished. And when we give our lives to Him, we follow His model in serving our own beloved children, family, friends the way He served us.
The World is brimming over with philosophies and values that proclaim the importance of self-fulfillment, self-promotion, accomplishment, status. Yet, our Jesus came as a man who had no stately form or majesty, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He purposely chose to humble Himself, to become the ultimate servant king. "I am humble and meek," He said. He came not proclaiming His rights, but bowing his knee. He washed feet, touched lepers, embraced and caressed the least of these, precious children, who He deemed worthy of honor.
When we accept with open arms and heart a precious little baby and wash their little hands and feet with love in our hearts, we are worshiping. When we hold and rock and sing comfort into the heart of a screaming babe in the middle of the night during an ear infection, we become the voice of Jesus.
When we stay up late to listen to the forlorn heart of a teen who is growing and stretching toward adulthood and the injustices of the world, and the imperfection of our own families, and extending grace, patience and soothing, hopeful words, we become the patience, hope, compassion of Jesus.
Our multitudinous little tasks, washing one more dish, correcting one more attitude, kissing one more forehead, when given from a heart full of love for Him, please Him far more than if we made millions and had a title of strategic importance.
He sees in secret, He cherishes our hidden worship more than anything else we could give Him-the worship of serving His own children out of a servant heart, filled with love and gratitude for Him. In this is our treasure we lay up in heaven for His glory.
Nathan gave me the sweetest little figurine on a Mother's day many years ago, of a little boy holding out his heart. He said, "Mom, you held my heart in your hands and shaped it with your love every day, every task, every minute of serving us kids. And Mom, for that reason, you will always be there in my heart, speaking to me of all the treasures you poured in one day at a time."
Love Him today by loving those He has given you to serve today.
************************************************************
A Christmas Party! A LIfegiving Christmas Tea!
I know this is a busy season for all of us. Yet, I am hoping many of you will be able to spend an evening wth me in my home to celebrate this wonderful season together. I will share some of our own family traditions, decorations, recipes, and ponderings about Him. Grab a cup of something warm and satisfying and join me.
It is our Christmas gift to those who are in our membership, Life with Sally. But for just $10, anyone can join us. (The cost helps our ministry pay for the expense of putting on this webcast.)
We hope to be able to do more events like this for our membership group through out the year but wanted to include all of our friends with the opportunity to attend this time. It is my desire that your own heart will be filled with the fun and cheer of the evening we have planned. (If you register, you can watch it any time after the event. We ask you to honor the integrity of this conference and not share the registration code with your friends if they are not registered. One conference per ticket.) Feel welcome to invite your friends to join you as you watch, just keep the code for your own computer for your personal pleasure.