The news spread through our class at church. One couple’s son had passed. Bill, one of our teachers, and his wife were among the first to visit. The afternoon we arrived, Bill had returned, vacuumed the house, and polished the shoes family members would wear to the funeral the next day. He’d demonstrated ways to honor God and serve others—even in a busy season.
As he said good-bye, he noticed another need and turned to add water to a vase filled with white roses.
The grieving mom shook her head in amazement, grabbed my hands, and faced me with tear-filled eyes. “Bill vacuumed our floors and polished our shoes.”
Our Bible study class members and other friends filled the fridge and countertops with more food than the family could eat in a week. Food aromas wafted through the rooms of the house, representing love and concern for physical needs. Poinsettias from neighbors decorated the table where homemade cakes sat. Hugs and tears acknowledged our compassion.
Each gift and visit met a need.
But Bill was the only one who thought about doing the humble chores—vacuuming and polishing shoes—what I call floor-level chores. I thought about the way Jesus stooped down to wash the feet of His disciples. Afterwards, He taught them and teaches us an important lesson.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:14-17 ESV
How did Bill find ways to serve that the rest of us hadn’t even considered?
- Maybe he was looking for ways to “love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10).
- Perhaps Bill had read Philippians 2:4 that morning and wanted to put someone else’s needs before his own. He was delighted to minister to friends in their time of need instead of rushing home to decorate his family Christmas tree or relax in his recliner with a mug of coffee.
- Maybe Bill’s love for Jesus and a spirit of humility created a desire to be more like Him.
Although Jesus was fully God, He ‘came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ Mark 10:45
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this year, how can we honor our Lord and serve others? Consider the following ideas:
- When you pray each morning, tell God you’re available to bring honor to Him and service to others. Then watch for needs that He prompts you to meet.
- Read an Advent devotion daily to help you focus on the reason we celebrate and pray to apply what you’ve read.
- Invite others to your table for fellowship and fun. Share a simple meal like bowls of chili (recipe included below) and salad, or invite someone to join you for hot chocolate and cookies.
- Include a verse of Scripture and an encouraging note on your Christmas cards to bring hope to recipients.
- Fill a Giving Jar or plate with cookies or candies. The jar I received last week included a tag which reads, “Enjoy, refill, and pass it along.”
- Ask about needs in your community and partner with neighbors, fellow church members, or friends to meet those needs.
- Ask God to lead you to “floor-level jobs.” Keep this one a secret between you and God.
Like Bill, we can consider the needs of others and love Jesus so much we seek to serve others as He did.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7
In addition to attending services, we can serve others in Jesus’ name at Christmas time.
In addition to attending services, we can serve others in Jesus’ name at Christmas time. Share on X
We can delight in delaying our own plans when the Holy Spirit leads us to show God’s love in tangible ways—even floor-level ways.
Maybe a servant heart is the best gift we can give Jesus to celebrate the day He served us in the most profound way of all—when He relinquished His celestial home to lie in a lowly manger. Let’s bow before Him in praise and open our hearts to the simple floor-level needs of others—at Christmas time and beyond.
Your Turn
Please share examples of humble service to others. If every reader contributes, we’ll have a collective list to prompt our hearts to action.
Books Are Great Gifts
May I suggest my book, A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart, as a gift? Many people are buying copies for hostess gifts and Christmas presents. You can find it on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Bold Vision Books, and on other bookseller sites. Fun Table Tips are included with each of 40 devotions. They include recipes, party plans, and simple table decorations.
A gift for you: Karen’s Make & Share Chili
Brown 2 pounds of ground beef with one diced onion.
(Or substitute one pound of ground turkey or ground chicken.)
Add:
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz.) can of tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans (I prefer these to kidney beans.)
½ tsp. garlic powder
¼-½ tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tablespoons mustard
¼ cup ketchup
1-1 ½ cups water
After the chili bubbles, simmer for 15-30 minutes.
(Adjust seasonings to suit your taste or substitute a pack of chili seasoning.)
Leftover chili:
Add heated leftover chili to a bed of lettuce for taco salad or serve it on a baked potato. Add grated cheese or dollops of sour cream or guacamole.
