“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1:24

Last night was the annual Church Christmas decoration and pizza party. Wanting to give the 8 kids there something to do, I dug out the mixed up box of over 500 letters we used to use on our old sign. Wanting to display a Christmas message, the letters first needed to be organized alphabetically. As it turned out, the job was much bigger than anticipated.

It’s been a long time since I’d worked with younger kids under 11. Dropping the box in the middle of the room of 8 children, I simply asked how many knew their A,B,C’s? ALL responded in the affirmative. “Can you all organize these letters, in order, on the floor?” Again…”Yes,” was the reply. I walked out of the room!

I came back later to discover all the letters in a big pile and the kids acting like…kids! I had forgotten that what I needed to do FIRST was spark them with desire and initiative and NOT just give them a task! “Have you kids ever been asked to do something for God? Because that is why YOU are HERE!” I had their attention!

I read Matthew 1:18-25 this morning and realized that those 8 verses encompassed every living being from Heaven to Earth…and for ALL TIME! The Triune God initiated a plan, gave it to an angel who gave it to people with an expectation that ‘The Plan’ would reach and affect the whole world! Interestingly enough, I noted that the angel didn’t ASK Mary or Joe ANYTHING. He TOLD HIM! It was up to THEM to get with the program!

Being God has its advantages. After all, God KNEW that these 2 young kids would DO what was expected. I noted that neither candy nor coercion were a part of God’s approach. Since you and I don’t share His omniscience, being part of God’s Team requires us to be creative in our approach. Which can only go so far! Individuals must personally decide to DO what God actually ‘expects’ of them! Or not.

With lessons on serving, organization, leadership and doing the job (not just doing your best) AND with some help from me, I am proud to say that they got it done! I am making sure to thank them again, on behalf of Jesus, for serving Him. That included the big kids (parents and adults) too!

What is God expecting YOU to do as part of His Christmas Plan? Are you doing it?