When most of us hear the term “hospitality,” we think of catering a meal, throwing a party, or welcoming a new family to our neighborhood. But, at its core, hospitality is a Christian practice– one that extends all the way back to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:33-34
In the New Testament, Jesus too practiced and modeled hospitality. In His day, to share a meal with someone was a form of acceptance and intimacy. Jesus ate with tax collectors and religious leaders. He also traveled and lived with His disciples for much of His three-year ministry. Mark 3:14 says, “He appointed twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.”
Jesus’ hospitality started with His birth. Christmas is the story of Immanuel, God with us. This is what we celebrate and what we desire to share with others around us who don’t yet know Him.
This December during the Advent season, our church is focused on the importance of intentionally making room in our hearts and lives for the hope, love, peace, and joy that Christ brings. Each sermon this month will provide practical insights and spiritual guidance to help us be with God in a greater way.
The Christmas season is also a perfect time for us to practice hospitality– to follow Jesus’ example and make room for others in our lives as He made room in His life for us.
There are many ways we can do this, from meeting a simple need for a friend or neighbor to inviting someone to a holiday event. All of us know or work with people who don’t have a family they are able to spend the holidays with. Inviting someone over to your home for a meal or gathering with your own family can be a great way for them to experience God’s love through you.
“Hospitality is the offer to extend the privileges of community to those who do not have the standing to expect it, especially those who are vulnerable because they are strangers.”
Scott Cormode
One way I’ve tried to practice this kind of hospitality is to host a neighborhood holiday party. I’ve found this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get to know the people around me. In the years I’ve done it, almost everyone I invite shows up. It turns out, everyone loves a party!
Christmas is also a time when some who don’t regularly attend a church are open to visiting one. We will be celebrating Christmas at Browncroft with three Christmas Eve services—one on Saturday, December 23rd at 4pm, and two on Sunday, December 24th at 9 and 10:30am. You can sign up to attend any of these services here.
It is my hope that we will all be thinking and praying about who we might invite to be a part of our celebration of Jesus’ birth and the hope that He offers us.
I look forward to celebrating this season with you!
–Pastor Rob
