Stable Crew

The sign out in front of Mathews Chapel says "Are you part of the inn crowd or the stable crew?" When I take a moment to really ponder this question, I am amazed at the many different meanings of this question, and the play on words is uncanny. The world pushes us to desire to be a part of the "inn crowd." The "inn crowd" seems glamorous, fun, and appealing. But the "inn crowd" doesnt' have room for everyone. If we are not extremely careful and on guard, we find ourselves willing to compromise our beliefs and values just to be accepted by this "inn crowd." We live in a dark world, and so many things take our attention away from our true mission, which is glorifying God. Think about the original "stable crew." No one ever would have imagined that the King of Kings would have been born in a lowly stable, yet that is exactly how God chose to bring his Son into the world. When we think about the Christmas story, it's easy to say we want to be a part of the "stable crew." But what about the other days of the year? Being part of the "stable crew" requires service and sacrifice, but it's so worth it. 1 Peter 4:11 says, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." So during the Christmas season, and every other day of the year, let's strive to be a part of the "stable crew." And when we find ourselves getting wound up and a little stressed out because of the holiday busyness, a little dose of "stable" will go a long way!