The Christmas season, with its twinkling lights and festive gatherings, is an ideal time to reflect on the profound biblical theme of hospitality. At its heart, Christmas is a story of God extending radical hospitality to humanity through the gift of his Son.
The most poignant image of this is found in the nativity story itself. Luke 2:7 recounts that when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there was no guest room available for them. Traditionally, this is seen as an uncaring innkeeper’s rejection. However, the Greek word for “inn” (kataluma) often referred to a “guest room” within a family home. Their situation likely meant that the extended family’s guest room was already full, leading them to shelter in the area where the family’s animals were kept.
So it happened that, in this humble, non-traditional space, God was welcomed into the world.
This paradox challenges our modern, often stressful, idea of entertaining. Biblical hospitality, as commended in Romans 12:13b (NIV), which urges us to “practice hospitality”, is less about an aesthetic space and gourmet meals, and more about opening our hearts and sharing our resources.
Luke 14:12-14 (NIV) says, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.” It calls us to welcome not just friends and family, but also the outsider, the lonely and those who cannot repay our kindness.
This Christmas (and beyond this season), let us emulate the spirit of the first Christmas: a love that found room even when no room was available. May our homes and churches be places where Christ’s generous welcome is extended to everyone, reflecting the ultimate hospitality God has shown us.
Bishop Philip Lim was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2024. Previously, he served as a missionary in Cambodia under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), and as Executive Director of MMS from 2012 to 2018.
