Luke 9:48  "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for he who is least among you, this is the one who is great." 

The argument started again.. twelve chosen apostles...looking to be greater than each other. To be in charge, to take over the management; to be the best.   Jesus addresses this issue over and over.  Mankind is always looking the wrong direction to define themselves., to promote themselves.... higher, greater, wealthier, smarter... whatever fits our definition of success.

God doesn't define success in the same way. Be -  "the least"... the lowliest.  Jesus tells them again, on the last day.. at the last supper together.. "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors'. But not so with you, but let him who is greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as the servant." 

Jesus led by example.. "But I am among you as the one who serves."  The King of kings and Lord of lords, the Son of God, the Anointed One... intentionally became a servant.  "Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of man. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross." ( Phil. 2:5-8)


It is in serving that we become more like Jesus. This is the direction that God would have us travel in our lives.  Receiving a child in His name. Being like the youngest in the group. Waiting on others instead of wanting to be waited on ourselves. Laying down our lives.. taking up our crosses.. and following Him.

This Christmas season, shall we make this our purpose?  Our choice?  Not gifts or traditions or great and exciting experiences.. but serving. Receiving. Accepting.

Father in heaven, show us the way and help us to walk as Jesus walked, in humble service.  Open our eyes to see the ways that we can receive, accept, and serve others in Jesus' name.  Amen.