The Gift of Serving Others

Dec 24, 2024

Hey, y’all!

It’s Christmas Eve, and if you’re like me, you’re feeling the mix of joy, anticipation, and maybe a little exhaustion. The lights are twinkling, the gifts are wrapped (or almost wrapped!), and the air is full of expectation. But in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, there’s something beautiful about slowing down and remembering what this season is really about: the hope we have in Christ and how we can share it with others.

Galatians 5:13 says:
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Christmas is the ultimate story of service. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). And when we serve others, even in small ways, we’re sharing the hope and love He brought into the world.

The Heart of Christmas Is Service

Think about it—everything about the Christmas story is wrapped in humility and service. Mary said “yes” to God’s plan, even when it upended her life. Joseph chose to stand by her and trust God. The shepherds left their fields to spread the good news. And Jesus? He left heaven to come as a tiny baby, born in a stable, all so He could grow up to serve, love, and save us.

When we serve others, we’re walking in the footsteps of the One who came to serve us first. Our acts of kindness become little reflections of the greatest act of love the world has ever known.

Challenge: Today, find one simple way to serve someone in your home, your community, or even a stranger. It could be offering to help with dinner, checking in on a neighbor, or holding the door open with a warm smile.

Serving Others Brings Hope to Life

There’s something about serving others that makes hope real. When you give a little of your time, energy, or resources, you’re showing someone else that they matter—that they’re seen and loved.

Maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of someone else’s kindness. Remember how it made you feel? Like a weight was lifted, like maybe things would be okay after all. That’s what serving others does. It plants seeds of hope in hearts that might be running on empty. Let a Christian life coach help you do the planting.

Tip: When you serve someone today, do it with intention. Whisper a quick prayer: “Lord, let this act of kindness reflect Your hope and love.”

Freedom to Love Fully

Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we’ve been given freedom—not just to live for ourselves, but to love fully and freely. Serving others isn’t a chore; it’s a privilege. We get to be part of what God is doing in the world. We get to bring His light and hope to people who need it. A Christian life coach can be a light-bringer for you.

That kind of freedom changes everything. We don’t serve because we have to; we serve because we get to. And when we serve with that kind of joy, people take notice. They see something different in us. They see Christ.

Prayer: “Lord, thank You for the freedom to serve. Help me to love others with the same grace, humility, and kindness You’ve shown me.”

Small Acts, Big Impact

You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness have the biggest impact. A warm smile, a kind word, a simple “Merry Christmas” can light up someone’s day. Remember, hope doesn’t always show up in grand gestures. Often, it’s found in the little things we do with great love.

Action: Look for the “small” opportunities to serve today. Maybe it’s washing dishes so someone else can take a break, helping a family member with last-minute Christmas prep, or giving someone your full attention when they’re speaking. These little acts matter.

Serving Reflects the Light of Christ

In a world that can feel dark and divided, serving others is like striking a match in a dark room. It’s a spark of hope, a glimpse of God’s love, and a reminder that Christ’s light is still shining through us.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Serving isn’t about getting credit; it’s about pointing people to the ultimate source of hope and light: Jesus.

So as we celebrate the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Himself—let’s remember that one of the best ways to honor Him is by serving others. When we share love, kindness, and hope, we’re giving the kind of gifts that don’t fit under a tree but last long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Let’s be lights of hope today and every day.