christmas eve.

Last night Columbia Presbyterian Church hosted a Christmas Eve service with two other churches in town. The whole evening felt like a blessing, and here’s why.

David and John and Jonathan and Kenny worked hard all month to plan the service. David spent his Christmas Eve at Tapp’s, sweeping and scrubbing and restocking bathrooms after a big party the night before. Justin and Beth showed up early to run sound. Jonathan set up chairs and made coffee and screwed light bulbs and took care of the logistical details.

Chris led worship. My Dad and Mom and Sarah and I organized the nursery and played with a roomful of infant-to-two-year-olds.

The blessing of last night was sitting on the floor surrounded by rambunctious babies and realizing with wonder that serving is a gift. And serving together — working as a team — is an even bigger gift.

It’s a lot of work, but it brings so much joy. It brings gratitude. It brings a deeper bond. It’s pouring yourself out for people like others have poured out for you. Like Christ has poured Himself out for you.

Serving is at the very heart of Christmas, you know? It’s maybe the best way to celebrate “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood,” because it’s what He did first, and what He still does for us every day.

Serving is a gift just as much as twinkling lights and presents torn open and hot coffee and Christmas carols.

Our Christmas Eve service was a gift. And all the people who faithfully and joyfully serve with David and me are a year-round gift that makes me bow my head and give thanks.

Tonight I’m thankful for the Giver, whose generosity knows no limits and whose gaze on us is pure delight at our wonder-filled faces.