Is this the secret to a happy Christmas this year?

I remember when we were children, Christmas Day was highly anticipated. From the excitement of feeling the weight of my present filled stocking when I woke up, to the gifts around the tree, dressed in our finest home-made decorations. To gorging myself on roast potatoes and turkey, to sitting by the fire watching an afternoon film, eating chocolate money from my stocking.

Isn’t this what Christmas is all about? My mum generally always had a cold on Christmas day, mainly as she had exhausted herself in the run up. Months before she would try to get suitable stocking fillers for myself and my four brothers, then find a turkey big enough to feed us, and begin peeling what may have felt like one million potatoes.

As Christmas Day came to an end, I loved to put my haul of gifts on my bed, surveying what I had been given.

As Christmas Day came to an end, I loved to put my haul of gifts on my bed, surveying what I had been given. It felt good, for about 24 hours, and then when the present giving was finished, the feeling of elation paled to a slight anti-climax of a cold, dark winter’s day, with nothing to look forward to.

Gifts and good food are wonderful acts of celebration, but they are not lasting, except, perhaps on our waistline…so what is the secret for a lasting happy Christmas this year?

I would suggest the answer is hospitality.

When we were children, my parents made a decision to practise hospitality. 

When we were children, my parents made a decision to practise hospitality. You would think five children might be enough to deal with, but my dad kept an eye out for those who might not have somewhere to go. Over the years we hosted many African international students, a lady from an old people’s home, a Brazilian family who were far from their own, and my brother’s single godmother. All found a place around our table.

As I grow older, I have a feeling, that however much I love presents (and gift giving), what really matters on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus who says to all, and especially the lonely: ‘Come to me all you who are wearing and heavy burdened…’  is to look for those who are alone this Christmas, or far from their families, and invite them into our homes. It may be a bit more hard work (although I remember my brothers and I behaving a little better around strangers, so it could be a win for those with children), but I believe it has eternal significance.

Hebrews 13:2 reads, ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.’ What an amazing verse - we could literally be hanging out with angels.

Matthew 10:41 reads: ‘Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.’ I don’t fully understand what a prophet’s reward is, but this sounds a good benefit to opening your home.

Psalm 68:6 reads, ‘God sets the lonely in families…’ It is the way of his kingdom, and as we step into that this Christmas, I believe we will receive his blessing.

Paul says in Romans 12:13 ‘Practice hospitality.’ It doesn’t matter if your house is a bit of a mess, or if there is peeling paint, and the loo doesn’t flush properly, or whatever excuse you have to not invite others in. People really don’t care if your house is not a show home and things are on the shabby side.

Recently I bumped into an old friend from university days, who I haven’t seen for over twenty years. She is far from family and living alone in a new country, so we are inviting her to eat with us on Christmas Day this year.

I invite you to take a moment, close your eyes, and ask God if there is anyone he would like you to include in your Christmas celebrations. If someone pops to mind, even if you don’t know them well, send them a invitation.

You never know, you may well be entertaining an angel.