While trying to think of what article to write, I came across a crafts material for Christmas with one activity focused on welcoming Jesus. There goes that word again, I thought. It seemed like a very simple word but the whole chapter focused on different ways of welcoming Jesus. The word "to welcome" means a great deal after all ... The word welcome, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is a greeting expressed to an arriving guest, to accept with pleasure the occurrence of situations like danger, etc., and giving pleasure: received with gladness or delight especially in response to a need.
Christmas is a very important occasion for us, Christians, because it is the commemoration of our Savior’s birth. He’s the King of Kings yet He was born in the humblest setting. Many people didn’t welcome Jesus’ birth. In fact, many rejected Him even before He came to earth. Ceasar Augustus, then emperor of Rome, wanted Jesus killed because he saw Jesus as a threat to his throne. The inn keepers rejected him as well.
The stable where livestock and beasts (that were owned by travelers) dwelled was the only shelter that was available for Mary and Joseph to welcome Jesus. Mary and Joseph gladly received their newborn son even though the situation wasn’t easy. The shepherd and the Magi sought Him out to pay their respects and welcome Him. Those who welcomed him experienced joy and blessing while those who rejected him missed the opportunity to be graced by his presence.
Today, there is so much emphasis on commercialism during the Christmas season. People are focused on their Christmas shopping list, hectic schedules, parties or gatherings to attend and deadlines to meet because of the long holiday break. The word welcome is stuck in my head and I don’t want to miss the point of Christmas. I want to welcome the season for what it was truly created for – to celebrate the birth of my Lord and King. I want to welcome His purpose for my life and to follow His way. I want to rejoice and be continually thankful for the many ways He has graced my life with His presence and be humbled by His never-ending desire to welcome me in His arms every time I fail Him.
Let’s focus on these things and as we prepare for our Christmas celebration, let’s ask ourselves the following questions:
• What does it mean to welcome Jesus this Christmas?
As in any birthday fete, gifts are given to the celebrator. It has been a custom to exchange gifts during Christmas to show love and affection to those dear to us or those we have encountered through the years. More than receiving gifts, I enjoy thinking of my list because I look forward to touching the hearts of those who have made a difference in my life. As a gift of thanks for His birth, several things come to mind: Giving to those who do not have, reconciling with the people I have wronged or who have wronged me and being thankful for what I’ve been given and nurturing them and lastly, being faithful to the cause He has called me for. How about you? What does this mean to you?
• Who/what have we welcomed into our homes and our hearts?
Several years ago, we had the privilege of welcoming an orphan in our home to be our guest for the holiday season. Our children really enjoyed having Marvin and we had great fun together. I realize now that sometimes, it has to take special celebrations to make us aware of others when, in fact, we are constantly surrounded by them. Orphanages and the like thrive with guests and donations during the Christmas season but are not considered as important during the rest of the year. There are many ways we can show we care for others and it should be done all year round.
As we think of welcoming Jesus in our hearts and homes, we should also be open to welcoming different situations. I am reminded to be gracious in welcoming even the unpleasant realities of life like the hassles of traffic, sickness, etc. It is easy to welcome good news but what about the bad news? Isn’t that worth welcoming as well for it does serve a very important purpose in our lives as well?
• Where have we welcomed others?
Do we only provide beautiful dwelling places for important people? How about lowly people? I am reminded of my friend Martha’s beautifully-planned quarters for her helpers. She even provided a lounge for them to relax in and separate spacious bathrooms and quarters for men and women helpers. And what about Help International? Well, it’s a German-based missionary group that provides a home for drug dependents. They do not provide a rehabilitation clinic but a family their guests can call their home. Their staff members live in a family setting and go through their daily routines together to process each other‘s problems. Nothing high-tech or fancy, just basically love as the foundation. What sort of dwelling will you provide a rebellious teenager or an ailing grandmother?
Let’s ponder on these things as we welcome the Christmas season. What’s the magic word? Let’s celebrate!