This time of year, I find it easy to buy gifts for some people and more difficult for others. Can you relate? What do you give that person who already has everything? Or, what if you’re short on cash but want to offer gifts anyway? I challenge you to shift your mind to think about this concept: one of the best gifts you can give someone is to include them. This Christmas consider giving a gift of wholehearted hospitality.
Rather than the typical sweater or socks, surprise the people on your Christmas list by inviting them to an event instead. In other words, include them in a holiday activity or weekend extravaganza. Offering to spend time together is the most powerful way to say, “I love you.” For some in your life, this may be the only gift they desire.
I remember when my children were young, we made it a habit to invite our elderly neighbors to join us for birthdays and the holidays. Josephine and Dick were never able to have children of their own, but they accepted mine as their surrogate grandchildren. We have fond memories of time spent with them at the dinner table, breaking bread with our loved ones. Even though they weren’t related to us biologically, they were family just the same. It never crossed my mind not to include them in our plans.
We feel the same way about Shadrach and Ruby, our friends from Africa. Our background and cultures couldn’t be further apart. Yet we have a bond stronger than any genetic connection. As a gift this Christmas, we spent a weekend tobogganing with them and their children in a Northern Indiana state park. We had a blast!
Never underestimate the power of wholehearted hospitality. The gift of inclusion draws people together with cords that can’t easily be broken. If anything knocks down the barriers between individuals of different races or religions, it’s relationship. When you reach out across the chasm that separates people with a welcoming hand, the results are sure to surprise you.
Achieving the dream of peace on earth-goodwill toward men starts with wholehearted hospitality.
Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you.
Hebrews 13:1-3 Message Bible
