Dear Parents,
Every year, we hear about Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. We wonder how an entire town, the town of Bethlehem, could see a young pregnant woman and her husband (ok, I admit I am thinking of my daughters now) and not make room for them. How could the couple be overlooked? Wouldn't people open their hearts and their doors for the soon-to-be parents? Why was no one willing to give up his or her room in the inn when Mary and Joseph were so obviously in need of shelter?
Before we get too self-righteous, let's stop and take a look at ourselves. Friday night we are going to the basketball game. We have Christmas parties with family and friends to attend. We have to go shopping and study for exams. We don't want to miss the Christmas program at school or the holiday parade in Lincoln. The list of activities goes on and on and before we know it, Christmas is over and we have forgotten to take time to celebrate Jesus. There was simply no room for him in our busy schedules. After all Jesus has done for us, how can we fail to make room for him during this season when we claim to be celebrating his birth?
This year, let's cut out things that don't matter and make room in our hearts, and in our homes, and in our schedules for the one who does. Let's make our homes open and welcome to all who need a meal or place to sleep. Let's help the individual in a wheelchair reach an item on a grocery shelf. Let's be willing to assist neighbors, friends and others who need a ride, need a meal, or need a hug. As we devote ouselves to others in love, God in turn pours into us. In giving to others, our souls are filled.
Ask your teen...
How can you show hospitality at the store, on the school bus, in the cafeteria line?
Challenge your teen...
Christ's love is alive in all his disciples. With whom will you share the unconditional love of Christ today?
Prayer...
Lord, help us to view each moment as an opportunity. Open our eyes to those in need. Equip us with your strength to love and to serve friend and stranger alike. Amen.
Every year, we hear about Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. We wonder how an entire town, the town of Bethlehem, could see a young pregnant woman and her husband (ok, I admit I am thinking of my daughters now) and not make room for them. How could the couple be overlooked? Wouldn't people open their hearts and their doors for the soon-to-be parents? Why was no one willing to give up his or her room in the inn when Mary and Joseph were so obviously in need of shelter?
Before we get too self-righteous, let's stop and take a look at ourselves. Friday night we are going to the basketball game. We have Christmas parties with family and friends to attend. We have to go shopping and study for exams. We don't want to miss the Christmas program at school or the holiday parade in Lincoln. The list of activities goes on and on and before we know it, Christmas is over and we have forgotten to take time to celebrate Jesus. There was simply no room for him in our busy schedules. After all Jesus has done for us, how can we fail to make room for him during this season when we claim to be celebrating his birth?
This year, let's cut out things that don't matter and make room in our hearts, and in our homes, and in our schedules for the one who does. Let's make our homes open and welcome to all who need a meal or place to sleep. Let's help the individual in a wheelchair reach an item on a grocery shelf. Let's be willing to assist neighbors, friends and others who need a ride, need a meal, or need a hug. As we devote ouselves to others in love, God in turn pours into us. In giving to others, our souls are filled.
Ask your teen...
How can you show hospitality at the store, on the school bus, in the cafeteria line?
Challenge your teen...
Christ's love is alive in all his disciples. With whom will you share the unconditional love of Christ today?
Prayer...
Lord, help us to view each moment as an opportunity. Open our eyes to those in need. Equip us with your strength to love and to serve friend and stranger alike. Amen.
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