I follow a page on Facebook called “Humans of New York.” Normally they cover life stories of everyday people in New York City, but recently they turned their efforts to a feature project called, “HONY for the holidays.”
“There are many people in New York City who, due to circumstances beyond their control, will have nowhere to celebrate Christmas. I know because I was one of those people when I first moved to New York. I just didn’t have the money to go home. It’s not a good feeling to be alone on Christmas. One of the worst feelings, actually. BUT DO NOT FEAR. There are plenty of families who have room in their heart, and an extra spot at the table, for one more. And we’ll help you find them.”
This, to me, perfectly sums up today’s devotional. Christmas is a time of family.
And as Matthew 12:46-50 beautifully puts it, the kind of family Christ calls us to be is a family of love, not just of blood.
As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”
It’s something to think upon.
It’s something to be open to.
It’s a question worth asking.
Have you got an extra spot at your table this Christmas?
Christmas idea: do something nice for someone in your own family (in light of today’s theme), but more so, ask around to see if anyone is needing a place to go during the holidays. You just never know the warmth of family you can provide someone simply by welcoming them into yours.
Christmas prayer: Father, thank you that Your Word says I am no longer a stranger or a foreigner in this world, but I am a citizen and a member of Your holy family. There is so much comfort and joy in knowing that I am a part of Your big purpose and Your Kingdom plan. May the Gospel message compel me to reach out, and may my heart burn with this same kind of compassion for those also desiring to belong and feel loved this Christmas season. Open my eyes to see those in need and use me to be Your heart extended as I embrace strangers and foreigners into the family You have given me. Amen.
