The Visitor
by Becci J. Terrill
“…show
hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this
have entertained angels without realizing it!”
have entertained angels without realizing it!”
We’re expecting a visitor this holiday season - - someone we
hardly know, who’s never been to our home before. He’s from another country,
speaks a different language, and has different traditions.
Preparing for his visit has involved planning, shopping,
arranging, rearranging and decorating our home. We’ve also been getting our
minds and hearts ready, learning everything that we possibly can so that our
visitor will feel welcomed and loved while he is with us.
We’ve even been counting down the days… as each brings us closer
to “the day” when he arrives. As the number of days grows smaller, our
excitement builds. What will our visitor be like? Will he enjoy his time with
us? Will he want to stay?
As I reflected on our visitor, and how he has changed our life
on every level, I was reminded of another Visitor who came long ago. Prophets
told us He would come. People were watching and waiting for His long-anticipated
arrival. But, when He finally came, only a small company of shepherds was there
with His parents to bid Him welcome.
His coming, however, changed the world forever, and the life of
every one who believes that He is the Son of God and accepts His gift of
salvation (John 3:16).
During this season of Advent, as we prepare for “The Big Day,”
let’s remember the Reason for the shopping, and decorating, and preparation. Let’s
make time to step away from the busyness to prepare our hearts and minds to
welcome and worship Jesus. And, unlike a visitor who will come and go after the
holiday, I encourage you to invite Immanuel, God with us, to stay in your heart
and home permanently.
GOING DEEPER:
- What are you
anticipating this holiday season? Has it taken your eyes off Jesus? Make
sure to focus on the real Reason for Christmas, and celebrate Him.
- Would you like to welcome
a child into your home? Check out Open Hearts and Homes for Children’s website
(www.openheartsandhomes.org)
for more information, or contact MissionHope at oakwoodnow.org.
FURTHER READING:
Becci Terrill
is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children’s Ministry
Director at Oakwood Church.
