Last year, the first Christmas without Jim, I had little motivation for decorating or entertaining. I couldn’t bring myself to put up a tree and only had enough energy for minimal decorating. I went through the motions of celebrating Christmas, but emptiness was the prevailing feeling.
This year, I am grateful to be experiencing joy and a renewed sense of celebration. I hosted my church life group at my home last Sunday and enjoyed every moment.
What does hospitality mean to you? Is hospitality synonymous with stress? Do you avoid inviting people to your home because you fear criticism, or think you’ll fail to meet some unwritten standard of perfection?
Following are thoughts on holiday hospitality:
Don’t Worry About What Others Think
Sometimes we avoid hospitality because we are concerned about what others will think of our home or our style of entertaining. Instead, they are so happy someone is willing to host, inspecting and criticizing are the last things on their minds.
If someone enters your home with the mission of critiquing, they are missing the joy of togetherness. And more than likely, they are envious.
Don’t let critics prevent you from entertaining. True friends are grateful for your hospitality.
Allow Stress to Take a Back Seat to Warmth and Welcome
Minimize stress by not waiting until the last minute to prepare. Make a list and “work” the list over several days to a week. This will lessen the pressure and ensure you can relax as the event draws near.
On the flip side, invite people to your home spontaneously. Those impromptu gatherings often prove more fun and less stressful than a planned event. No one cares if your house is slightly messy. Friends only register the warmth and welcoming feeling they receive.
Enjoy Time with Others
One of the blessings of the Life Group gathering at my home was the sound of laughter ringing through the house. From funny stories and broad smiles, to moments of serious reflection, it was a time of joy.
Hospitality is as much about your enjoyment as the joy of those you entertain. Expect to receive as much as you give through hospitality.
The Gift of Hospitality
The early Church drew strength from gathering together, giving to each other, and to further the spread of the gospel.
True hospitality is a gift given and received. Hospitality opens your home as a gathering place and welcomes all who come with the same openness Christ welcomes all who believe.
This year, ignite forward motion by giving the gift of hospitality.
“Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2 AMP).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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