Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ,
called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
…the gospel concerning God’s son,
who was descended from David, according to the flesh;
and was declared to be Son of God with power
according to the Spirit of holiness
by resurrection from the dead,
… To all God’s beloved…who are called to be saints.
Romans 1: 1-4,7

On Christmas day in 1993, the two of us and our two young sons went to help out at a dinner served at the Assembly of God Church on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

We had called the pastor to see if we could be of help. We were trying to start a new Christmas tradition of helping others on Christmas and placing in perspective the abundant shower of gifts we receive.  When we went to the church that day, however, we found food preparation well in hand, and nothing for us to "help" with.  We were able to help a bit with leading some singing of Christmas songs - but on the whole, we became guests.  We ate food we had not prepared, talked with a number of people, and I rested from the usual pastor's habit of being "in charge." 

I found it hard to accept not being useful, but I ate a good meal, and listened and learned.  That night, Marianne had a dream.  In her dream there were words repeated over and over:  

There is neither server nor served; there is only love.

So let it be in our own encounters: neither server nor served - but only love.

How can we be loving on this day? How can our words, gestures, our attitudes live out the promise of God-with-us?

Jim Cotter