I’m typing this blog as I sit in a hammock in a hut in a village in the Kampot Province of Cambodia on Christmas Day. Today is a normal day of ministry; we don’t have the entire day off to celebrate like we would in the United States. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been struggling with the sense of entitlement that I should have today off to celebrate the day of Jesus’ birth. It’s interesting how in the States we get so defensive if someone threatens to take our Christmas day- off away from us. We should have Christmas day to celebrate with family and friends and read the Christmas story, relax and eat a lot of good food…right?
As I was in my quiet time this morning, God spoke to me through scripture. I was reading Matthew 20:28 which says, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life- a ransom for many.” Jesus came on this earth to serve others, so what’s the best way I can honor Jesus on His birthday? Serving others. Instead of making this holiday a day of celebration for me, I get the opportunity this year to celebrate Jesus by serving Him through serving others…and it doesn’t just have to be this year in Cambodia either…nor only on Christmas. We get the opportunity to celebrate Jesus’ birth every day and honor Him through following His example to us and serving those around us.
