FRIDAY Luke 2:8-20
• The angel gave the child born in Bethlehem three titles. A “Savior” rescued people from danger. “Messiah” (a Hebrew term) meant “anointed ruler.” “Lord” was a word Greek-speaking Hebrews used to refer to God. How did each of these words capture some of the many facets of who Jesus was and what he did for us?
• Jerusalem was only a few miles from Bethlehem. Was God biased against the people of power and influence at that time? Why didn’t the “herald angels” sing in the Temple courts, or at the high priest’s luxurious house in Jerusalem? How can you keep your heart and your home open to God’s presence this Christmas?
Reflection
There is scripture that reminds up to be radically hospitable to the visitor and guest because we could be entertaining angels and not even know. Jesus talked about the way that we care for the least the lost and the lonely is like caring for him. God places a premium of relationships and time and time again we place the importance elsewhere. I can recall a time when I was to play host to a rather well known christian speaker while he was in town for a conference. It was a great opportunity and I spent the time making sure everything was just right. I would have kept doing that until he told me to come and enjoy the day. This was my personal Mary and Martha story.
I think that we have to remember not to let hospitality get in the way of making others feel at home. Rather we value the interaction on the personal level above making sure the hand towels are folded in the right direction.