Southern Hospitality – it is famous around the world. If ever you want to feel really welcome, find a hospitable southern home. They act like they’ve been waiting all year for you to arrive, and when you leave, they can’t bear to see you go. That wasn’t exactly what Mary and Joseph found in Bethlehem. I guess the middle easterners haven’t been to the south, and learned about southern hospitality! Needless to say, the red carpet wasn’t awaiting them, and no welcome mat was at the door. It not only was a bother for Mary and Joseph to go on the trip, it was a bother for anyone to be prepared for them when they arrived. No one was hoping for, or anticipating their arrival. Do you know that hospitality is a great tool for evangelism, and a great opportunity for fellowship that we often overlook? I encourage you to open our homes to others. It happens more during the holidays, but I want to encourage you, be hospitable. People are looking for the warm family feeling that they find in the house of the Lord. They are hoping to feel welcomed. When we open our homes with welcome, we bring the hope of friendship, the hope of companionship and the hope of belonging. Everyone wants to belong, so this season, find ways to invite people into your home. If you’re thinking your home isn’t perfect, or as good as someone else’s, who cares!!! It is yours and God wants you to share it to promote His kingdom. Why not make your domain, HIS? Make your house, God’s house! Rejoice that you get to invite people to share in the hope of belonging as they visit your home. Ps 122:1 I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.
Advent Activity: Invite someone over spontaneously today! Have cookies and hot cider or something simple and share God’s love this Holy season.
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