The Power of A Simple Welcome
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
December 7th Sermon, Day 4
Hospitality doesn't require a perfect home, gourmet meals, or elaborate preparations. The family in Bethlehem who welcomed Mary and Joseph didn't offer luxury accommodations - they simply shared what they had. Their lower level, probably shared with animals, became the most significant birthplace in history.
In our image-conscious world, we often hesitate to open our homes or lives to others because we feel unprepared. We think we need the right furniture, the perfect meal, or more time to clean. But true hospitality isn't about impressing people; it's about making them feel seen and valued.
Sometimes the most powerful welcome is simply asking, 'How are you really?' and then actually listening to the answer. It's offering a cup of coffee to a neighbor, inviting someone to sit with you at lunch, or sending an encouraging text to someone who's struggling. Every act of welcome, no matter how small, reflects God's heart. When we open our lives to others - our homes, our tables, our time, our attention - we're demonstrating the same love that God showed when He made room for us in His family.
The people around you are carrying burdens you can't see. They're dealing with loneliness, stress, and uncertainty. Your simple gesture of welcome might be exactly what they need to experience hope again. You don't need to have all the answers or solve their problems; you just need to be present and caring. Today, look for one small way to welcome someone. It might be the doorway through which hope enters their heart.
Bible Verse
'In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.' - Luke 2:1-7
Reflection Question
Who in your life might be waiting for a simple gesture of welcome from you, and what small step could you take to reach out to them this week?
Quote
Hospitality doesn't require perfection. It just requires presence.
Prayer
God, help me see the people around me who need to experience Your love through my welcome. Give me courage to reach out, even when I feel unprepared. Use my simple gestures to bring hope to someone who needs it today. Amen.
