The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

John 1:14 MSG

My mother-in-law, Linda, was known in her community for the “open house” she hosted each Christmas. Preparations started weeks ahead of time; she made sure the house was decorated just so, and she baked hundreds of Christmas treats to share with her neighbors. She opened her doors to the entire neighborhood, and all came together to enjoy each other’s company in the warm and festive environment Linda created.

We spent the first Christmas we were married at her home. We missed the famous open house by a few days, but the leftovers were enough to paint a picture of her hospitality. The house was still beautifully decorated, and Christmas cookies were in endless supply. It was the first Christmas I had spent away from my own family, and her warmth and joy made me feel perfectly at home. Christmas was Linda’s “thing,” and what a blessing it was to experience it through her eyes!

God didn’t need creation, yet He prepared it just so for us. He “decorated” it with flora and fauna, and He included every kind of delicious food. He created a hospitable atmosphere, then He opened the doors to humanity with warmth, joy, and love. Sin marred the perfection of it all, but the arrival of the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes has made it possible for us all to dwell with Him again one day. (See last week’s verses in Revelation 21!)

Home for Christmas takes on new meaning in the light of the arrival of baby Jesus. We can go home because of Christmas! “The Word put on flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood,” and our good and generous Father has prepared one heck of an open house! What a blessing it’ll be to experience creation through His eyes and be perfectly at home.

Thank you, God, for the hospitable among us! Bless those who are opening homes and hearts to friends and family these next weeks. Even as we gather, help us to remember that our Home is not far off. Amen.

To read or re-read the overview/summary of this week’s passage, you can click here.