Living Graciously

The holiday season is upon us! Looking back, I remember when this was a time of a houseful of cousins running amuck, strangers to pinch my cheeks and tell me how much I've grown, and a dessert table a mile long. 

 

Jesus tells us of a great banquet in Luke 14. The homeowner in the story is going to throw a big party and invite as many people as he can. Unfortunately for the invited guests, they had other plans that would interfere with this invitation. Other things in life became more important and something like this party would need to get the short end of the stick, so to speak. If you can't be in two places at once, then you'll just have to decide which one matters more to you. As word gets back to the master of the house that hardly anyone is coming, the invitations continue to be sent, but this time they go out to everyone else besides those who already rejected the first invitation. 

 

Jesus tells us this story, because in our lives we face a choice. The busyness of life can quickly erode our relationship with Christ. We can easily find other places to be, other things to do, or other thoughts to think. We can’t be in two places at once either. Jesus invites us to His banquet, but it is up to us to accept this invitation. What we saw in the parable was that some of those that were invited chose not to be there. Just the thought of it brings a great sadness into my heart. My prayer is this: Jesus, use me to show Your love and kindness to those around me so they can realize that only in You is there life and light. Help us to put You first in all things.

 

The next few gatherings are probably going to be different and difficult. But, there is a greater gathering that awaits the faithful. Let us take the time and make the effort to set aside the worldly distractions. Let us focus on the Christian fellowship, love, and warmth we have in a Christian home and with this church family. Let us remember that while this season is different, it is just that: only for a season and in the age to come, Jesus Christ will set all things right and “make all things new” (Rev 21:5).