Devotional:
Just a few more days until it’s Christmas! When I was a kid, one thing I really looked forward to during Christmas was watching a stage play about the Nativity Story in my local area. Sadly, these events are quite rare these days.
But a friend of mine told me about a Nativity Story stage play he heard about years ago. This one had kids play the lead roles.
In that play, in the scene where Joseph and Mary (who was about to give birth) were desperately looking for a place to stay for the night but repeatedly got refused by the innkeepers, the child who played the role of the innkeeper took pity on Joseph and Mary and invited them in. This was obviously not what happened in the Gospel, but it made for a hilarious moment for everyone in the auditorium!
When I reflect on my friend’s anecdote, it made me realize something. The kid who went off-script and invited Joseph and Mary in reminded me a lot about the Filipino culture of welcoming guests and even strangers into their homes. Filipino hospitality, as most people would call it.
Every event, whether big or small, calls for a celebration. And in every celebration, everyone is welcome to join. Whether or not feeding a dozen guests fits in the budget, Filipino homes are always open to anyone who wants to come celebrate. Some people even go into debt, just so they can serve others a wonderful meal.
This Christmas, it won’t be any different. Huge communal feasts would be served in millions of households, for family, friends, and even those we barely know. But amid all the festivity, let’s not forget to entertain and welcome the one guest who’s the reason for this season.
He is knocking on the doors of our hearts and our homes. And I hope and pray that even then, the Filipino brand of hospitality will be on full display.
Let’s welcome Jesus into our homes this Christmas, let’s have fun, eat well, and have an amazing party for the biggest guest our homes would ever have.
