Offering the Welcome of Christ

I am on a lifelong journey toward understanding truer and better hospitality. Oh how I want to know the secret of offering the welcome of Christ to others as He has offered it to me. I’ve learned that it often means I must forego being impressive, in favor of being inviting. It means I must lean INTO the unexpected. After all, didn’t heavenly messengers come unannounced? I’m forever thankful for the season of dear community in Florida which allowed us to practice over and over, so imperfectly. 

One lesson I’ve learned from Jesus in the School of Welcome is this:
“Let the little children come to Me, and Do not hinder them”. (Matthew 19:14) These are the words of the world’s greatest welcomer. 

In family worship, in house church during hurricane week, in mealtimes, in greetings at the front threshold, in surprise drop-ins, may we open our eyes and ears and hearts to those who stand lower to the ground, offering the tender and merciful welcome of Jesus to the children we come across!

Another lesson I’ve learned in the School of Welcome comes from  What is a Family? by Edith Schaefer, in which she has a chapter entitled,

“A Door with Hinges and a Lock”.

The image of a door swinging open to welcome and swinging closed to protect, symbolizing the role of the family, has never left me. I’m thankful for that particular chapter in Edith’s book, and the book in its entirety. 

Did you know that the Latin root of the word “hospitality” actually refers to “friendliness toward a guest”, “stranger”, “sojourner”, “visitor”, “foreigner”? It has absolutely nothing to do with impressing or entertaining. It has to do with bringing someone INSIDE who was first on the OUTSIDE.

This is beautifully freeing to discover. It means that the core need of a “guest” is simply to be brought in…. Not to be impressed or entertained. Doesn’t it feel so good simply to be invited in to someone’s home?  To be wanted?

Here are Questions I ask myself from time to time:

Is my home set up to be ready to welcome an unexpected guest? How can I create rhythms of readiness? 

When I’m caught not ready, but a “guest” is at my door, will my pride come before welcome? Or will I offer a welcome that is greater than my pride?

Who in my path needs to be brought in?

Is my door closing and am I making opportunities/time for my people to share closeness and connection?

What am I really afraid of? Why?  Is there anything I need to surrender to God?

May we stay in a posture of welcome, like the One who is ever welcoming us.

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God".

Romans 15:7