Christmas at the TableSample

Christmas at the Table

We all have our Jesus story. It's how we came to meet Him, how He has changed our lives, and how He has walked with us through the ups and downs. This series is all about Christmas at the Table. We have a seat at the table because of Jesus, and through the spirit of hospitality, we make room for others at this table.

Jesus encountered people at the table. It was a place of equality, a place of intimate conversation, teaching, honesty, and truth. The table is a place of connection, a place where we share a meal, a laugh, and a story. They didn't have rectangular tables in those days. The meal was eaten on small tables or food on the floor, where they reclined on cushions or sat together on mats. It was a very intimate moment.

Jesus ministered at the table more than any other place of equality: it was a place of blessing in feeding the five thousand, a place of miracles at the wedding of Cana, a place of forgiveness for Matthew the tax collector, a place of remembrance and training for the disciples at the last supper and a place of healing and encouragement on the road to Emmaus. It was a central part of early Church discipleship. For Jesus, the table of fellowship was a demonstration of the inbreaking of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is about acceptance of others, a place of forgiveness, and in Jesus' ministry, it was enacted at the table.

This Christmas, we want our Christmas tables to display the Kingdom, to celebrate Christ's birth, bringing family and friends together, in a place of forgiveness where parts and washed away, a place of restoration where Jesus did through his birth and life. Where we share our Jesus stories. At our Christmas table - All people are welcome to join the feast, and all people are welcome and invited to the table.

Scripture:

"On this mountain the LordAlmighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples,a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines." - Isaiah 25:6

Prayer Point: Lord, this Christmas, we remember your ministry at the table, where you blessed people, performed miracles, loved on sinners, accepted the outcasts, and welcomed everyone in an act of friendship and acceptance. This Christmas, as we venture into the table stories of the Bible, let us open our hearts and homes to those who would come and dine with us and share our Jesus stories of what Christmas means to us and why we celebrate your birth.