Advent Devotionals: Day 9

"What do you want on your tombstone?" This was a popular commercial for a pizza company a few years ago, but it is still a great question for today. When you have passed away, how would you like to be remembered? What do you want on your tombstone?

I would hope that Jesus would say of me what He said of John in Luke 7:28. "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than ______________; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he [or she]." I hope that God will use me to do great things that join Him in changing the world.

But simultaneously, I want to remain humble before the Lord remembering that through humility and being "least in the kingdom"; I will be greater than John.

In this season of Advent, I invite you to remember to be like the tax collectors of this text who acknowledged that God's way is right. Seek opportunities to do great things for others as you serve them. In doing these things, Jesus will say of you as he said of John, "among those born of women, there is not one greater." Could there be any greater honor? Could there be any other statement you'd want on your tombstone?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, as we anticipate Your birth, help us to serve You and serve others. Help us to join You in changing the world. Open our eyes to the needs of others so that we can meet them and do Your work. Amen.