Growing up our Mom always had an Open House at Christmas. We didn’t live around family so she would bake and then invite our friends to just drop in for a while and spend part of their Christmas with us. I have some wonderful memories of playing with childhood friends, the smell of baking cookies coming from the kitchen and the laughter that filled the air.
When I grew up and had a home of my own, I continued the Christmas Open House tradition because I love entertaining and filling our home with the love and laughter of friends. Someone told me once that my love language is baking. It makes me happy to package up the freshly baked cinnamon rolls and give them to friends and neighbors.
Christmas can be a lonely and depressing time for some. Missing a loved one, being far from home…so many reasons. Think of that first Christmas night when God’s Son came to earth; it was separation for both Father and Son.
Now here’s the good news!
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” Isaiah 7:14 AMP.
Immanuel, God with us, even when we are by ourselves, we’re not alone! God with us, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us…God with us! When we open our heart, He makes it His home.
So this year if your home is filled with family and friends or quiet and only you, remember God came to join us. His presence will certainly fill both heart and home. Invite Him in.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 NLT