"Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay" 1Peter 4:9 (NLT)
As far back as I can remember, my mother always made it a point to invite friends to our home for dinner for holidays. Many times it was neighbors or friends who were widowed or didn't have family close by. If they didn't have a means of transportation she would ask other friends or family to stop by and pick them up (my parents did not drive). Many times she would ask me to go pick them up. Sometimes I would do it cheerfully and other times grudgingly. Many times I felt that she was imposing on people, but they didn't mind. They probably felt they were doing a good deed and most of the time it was not out of their way...she would make sure she connected the right people together. I do remember that at the end everybody had a good time. They didn't spend the day at home alone, and we were blessed with their company. Looking back, I think it was a good thing, and it motivates me to consider who might appreciate an invitation.
As the holidays are fast approaching you'd be surprised how many people we assume have plans actually don't, for one reason or another, so all we have to do is ASK! I am always thankful when others invite us to their homes.
I think opening our home blesses in two directions. Yes, Thanksgiving and Christmas may be considered a family day, but it doesn't have to be exclusively for relatives. Everyone present will be blessed, even those suffering hardship. Not only will visitors enjoy sharing your celebration; family members will also be enriched to learn about where guests grew up, how they celebrated holidays, and what their work or interests are now. This is especially true if they come from a different country or from different cultures. Everyone can participate and feel comfortable with each other...and by all means, if they want to help out, let them.
Making the day special makes the participants feel special too. Plan special touches that distinguish the day as out-of-the-ordinary. That might mean using a linen tablecloth and good china, a pretty centerpiece, or it could mean turning off the TV and putting away all cell phones. Let everyone know this is a dress-up occasion, so they can dress accordingly, because so many people in our society today, dress casual all the time, and may not realize this is a special day.
You may want to end the meal with an activity that focuses on gratitude or praise. It can be a memorable highlight of the day. If you don't want to put your guests on the spot, you can prepare short messages of blessings that each can read out loud. I did that a few times and it was fun. One time I asked each person to pull out a 'message' from a bag of blessings, and read it out loud. Another time each one had a message by their plate...whatever works for you. Some guests may feel comfortable sharing their own message of gratitude and that is great too. I just don't like it when I am put in a position to participate or share, and I am not prepared. This is a time to get together and feel at ease with each other and have fun, not to feel uncomfortable.
There are many opportunities where we can invite people to our holiday celebrations...your new neighbors across the street, the foreign student from your kids school, the elderly widow or widower from church or the parent whose kids are with the-in-laws....
Enjoy the upcoming holidays!
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" 1Peter4:9 (NIV)
