Our houses get “decked out” at this time of year, don’t they? What better time than the holidays to invite folks over? If you need a couple reasons why it’s a great time to show hospitality, read on.
1. When you’ve gone to so much trouble to get everything sparkling and gleaming with decorations, you’ve already taken care of getting the house ready for guests!
2. There are usually enough snacks and treats in our kitchens to fill the neighborhood – so go ahead – fill up the neighborhood! Invite your neighbors over for a cup of coffee and treat! Invite them over for cheese and crackers and fresh fruit. Look what you have in abundance and share it! If you need a delicious and easy sweet popcorn, this Almond Toffee Popcorn is a favorite of mine.
Why not invite neighbors in for a drop-in party? Serve cookies and punch and you’ll also have the opportunity to share the love of Christ.
3. Christmas is the perfect time to share the Gospel. When you have guests in your home and you’re in your own surroundings, it will be easier for opportunities to share Christ as you visit.
4. We are commanded in Scripture to be hospitable. Hebrews 13:2
I’ve been studying the second chapter of James, and the last half of the chapter goes into deep discussion about how faith without works is DEAD. Yep. It’s as lifeless as a stuffed snowman. “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26 One of the best ways to show our faith is to be hospitable to others. Verse 15-17 says, If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Since we are alive in Christ, we need to show it through our works, and hospitality is a wonderful way in which we can do that. You can have fun parties like the “Ugly Christmas Sweater party” or a Gift-Wrapping party. How fun that would be! Don’t keep it easy and invite only your close friends and family – invite new people at church, your neighbors, or lost co-workers.
Demonstrate your faith to others. Be hospitable today. Watch the blessings that come from it tomorrow.
Even this week as you are perhaps having guests for Thanksgiving, be sure to open your heart and show hospitality. Pray about how you can do that as the holiday season approaches.
RefreshHer 