Christmas
Hospitality
Do you remember the story of
Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha’s home?
While Martha taxes herself preparing a meal for Jesus, Mary, her sister,
chooses to put everything aside in order to sit at Jesus’ feet and to listen
intently to every word. This is a
story that makes some people feel defensive, especially those of us who are
perfectionists, chronically driven to excel in every area.
We may find Jesus’ words to Martha rather harsh.
During this season of hustle and bustle, all of us, especially those of
us who have driven ourselves to distraction with holiday preparations, need to
listen with new ears to our Lord’s words of concern, “You are worried
and distracted by many things.” While
these words were directed specifically to Martha, they are meant for our ears,
as well.
It is important to remind
ourselves at this time of the year that we, like Martha, are worried and
distracted by many things. In our
desire to be good hosts and hostesses, we fail to remember that one of the most
gracious gifts of hospitality that we can give to each another is our time and
attention. So, stop worrying if you
will have enough variety of Christmas cookies for your guests.
Start hoping that you will be able to offer them a generous amount of
your attention and interest.
In many Hispanic communities,
Las Posadas (“lodgings” or “shelter”) begins nine days before Christmas.
Each night a group of “travelers” goes door-to-door, knocking and
asking for a place to stay, as Mary and Joseph once did.
Every night these travelers are turned away when the people inside the
house rudely say, “There is no room.” On Christmas Eve, these travelers
knock at the final door, which opens to receive them with great joy and
celebration. This custom allows the
entire community to relive God’s hospitality to them in Christ and helps them
to hear Christ’s instruction to offer hospitality to the stranger, the
traveler, the refugee, and anyone else in need of posada.
This Christmas, the Christ Child
invites each of us to practice hospitality.
May we always remember to welcome one another with the gifts of our time
and attention.
May the Joy and Wonder of
Christmas fill your hearts and strengthen your faith,
The Rev.
Constance S. Wilkerson