Making Room: The Quiet Power of Humble Service

The Christmas season can feel more crowded than calm. But what if the clutter is your cue to slow down and serve like Jesus? This article looks at the heart behind servant leadership—and how Jesus lived it out in all He did.

…

In an already-crowded season, it’s the rare person who’s looking for more things to do. But what if the question isn’t about adding more … but about asking what’s the most Christlike thing we can each do as we look toward celebrating the birth of Jesus?

Who is this Jesus? The long-promised King of kings and Lord of lords? Yes—but also the Servant King.

 The Servant King: How Jesus Made Room for Others

When the wise men came, they brought Jesus gifts fit for royalty—frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Yet He came to earth in the simplest, humblest, least-self-important way possible: as a baby in a manger.

Scripture tells us:

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus celebrated feasts and weddings, worked with His hands, and taught the crowds. He lived a full life. But He also spent time noticing people others overlooked.

He paused for the blind man. He made room for the Samaritan woman—meeting her in her shame and calling her into freedom and purpose. When a hungry crowd needed food, Jesus didn’t send them away. He told His disciples to feed them. And in a culture where children held little social status, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).

Again and again, Jesus made room.

Pure Religion Isn’t Performance—It’s Presence

Serving like Jesus is not about chasing attention or achievement. It’s about showing up with love.

James 1:27 gives us a clear reminder of what God prioritizes:

“Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”

The people mentioned here are not powerful. They aren’t prestigious or influential. But they matter deeply to God—and that’s the point.

In her book Imagine More, Stephanie Nelson shares about Barbara, a local director who embodied servant leadership in the quietest, most joyful way:

“Barbara personified humility and service to the people in our community who needed assistance. And it was clear that her service filled her with joy. Not because of accolades or public approval, but because she personally connected with the clients and supporters and knew she was making a difference in their lives.”

That’s the kind of presence God calls us too—not performative charity, but faithful love.

Making Room in a Crowded Season

In this season of jam-packed calendars, serving like Jesus doesn’t have to mean one more obligation. It might just mean making room in simple, everyday ways.

That could look like:

• Pausing to notice someone who’s hurting or lonely
• Writing an encouraging card or delivering a meal
• Visiting a shut-in or an elderly neighbor to hear their stories
• Volunteering with your family at a soup kitchen or local shelter
• Asking your church how you can help someone in need this week

These quiet acts may not make headlines—but they’re the kind of gift that changes the world around you.

Giving a Gift Like Jesus

At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest gift of all: Jesus Himself. He gave not out of surplus, but out of self. And He asks us to do the same.

Stephanie Nelson writes:

That’s how love is. When we freely give it to those who are most overlooked instead of seeking approval for ourselves, we are the ones who are filled with joy. Joy is God’s reminder that we’re on the right path. We don’t need titles or accolades from people to know we are doing God’s work. We’ll just know.

—Stephanie Nelson in Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

This Christmas, let’s follow the way of Christ—the Servant King. Let’s make room to give as He gave: not for applause, but for love.

…

Make Room for One More.
Your gift today helps bring the Gospel to someone longing to be seen & loved by God.
 Partner with Us in This Season of Giving