West Texas Snow

Read on December 22

Story provided by Susan

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15

On one particular Christmas Eve, Susan’s family had their traditional oyster stew and then prepared to go to church. Their pastor brought a message from Luke 1:38, where Mary says, “I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said.” 

Susan remembers that the lesson from the pulpit that night was simple: we are all chosen in the way that the Lord will use us. 

The simple lesson was years ago, but Susan has always remembered it. As her family left the church that night at midnight, after having sung “Silent Night” with only candles glowing, snow gently fell outside. It was a rare treat in Abilene, Texas, but it completed a perfect Christmas Eve. 

Serving God is an opportunity, but too often we think of it as a chore or duty. God called Mary to an opportunity. She could serve God and provide the world with their Messiah. She said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). The Lord spared Mary the knowledge of what all those words would mean to her life. The opportunity to serve isn’t always easy, but it doesn’t change the fact that God called us to be his servants. That calling is our opportunity, not our chore.

Have you ever wondered what might have happened if Mary had refused? 

It’s easy to imagine why she said yes. It would be difficult to refuse an angel. 

Or would it?

God chose a faithful person to carry and give birth to his own Son. God chose a faithful man to join his life with Mary. Joseph had a choice to make too. The Lord calls all of us to himself and gives us the opportunity to serve him with our lives. God doesn’t draft workers, but rather asks them to choose to serve. He always has.

It is easy to wear ourselves out by serving the world’s holiday expectations. But, there should come a time in each of our holidays when we stand in worship and choose to serve God. Making that choice, over and over again, will be the source of our Christmas blessings.

Servants are the most blessed individuals in Scripture, and the same is true for God’s people today. 

How will you choose to serve the Lord this Christmas?