Going Home

"Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for." Luke 2:3 (The Message)

Several years ago both of our sons were due home for Christmas on the same night. One was traveling in from UT Austin and the other flying in from the mountains of Utah with our first "grand dog". I waited at home for one to drive in and "grand dad" apprehensively drove to the airport to meet the other son and his rather large, fluffy, white Samoyed puppy. I was cooking favorite foods and waiting. Every time there was even the slightest noise I would run to the door to see if one or the other son had arrived. I couldn't wait to greet the boys and meet the grand dog! Suddenly everyone was there. Everyone was hugging and talking at once with the fluffy white Samoyed licking us joyfully.

The scene was very different in Bethlehem on that first Christmas. No one was waiting with the smell of food wafting from the doorway. No beds had been made. No one was there with open arms. Doors were shut. Was there scorn? Here was a very pregnant teenage bride with her future husband. They were seeking shelter and comfort. People must have looked the other way. The weary travelers were turned away. Their only refuge was a stable. Their only welcome the warm breath of the animals. Their only beds were made of rough scratchy hay. No waiting relatives with arms of comfort and love ready to embrace the weary couple and their infant son.

Is there someone or something that you need to welcome into your life this season? A friend, relative or even a stranger? A new idea? Or perhaps for the first time ever you might invite the Lord of Lords and King of Kings to dwell in your heart?

Lord, help us to open our hearts to others this season. Show us how to open our arms to those who are hurting. Please keep our minds open to new ideas and challenges. Open our hands to serve you, please. Most importantly open our hearts to receive your Son. Amen.