Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/420759
December 12 Luke 2:12–18 Welcome Scott Klingsmith, PhD Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies & Missiologist in Residence W hen I was a kid growing up, Christmas was always a day for others. My parents ran a Christian serviceman's center, a "home away from home" for stranded airmen at Lowry Air Force Base. As a replacement home, we welcomed in whoever happened to be around that day. Mornings were for family (more or less, as there were always a few extra gifts under the tree for those who showed up unannounced). But come dinnertime, the doors were open and the free-for-all began. Sometimes there were five guests; sometimes there were fifteen. Either way, they were welcomed into the family, given a meal and a gift, and made to feel at home. And if the chance arose, they were given the opportunity to see Jesus. (Incidentally, this scene was repeated at anksgiving, other major holidays, and just about every Sunday of the year!) I didn't always appreciate my folks' hospitality. Especially when I reached my teen years, I began to see all these people as intruders, invading our family and my space. I had to be—or at least appear—friendly, and there was always extra work to do. I sometimes resented these guests and wished they would just stay away so we could have peace. Imagine if my parents had shared this attitude. Over the years, probably hundreds of young men and women were introduced to Jesus because of our Christmas tradition. Many went away amazed at what they had experienced and couldn't wait to share that joy with everyone they met. Imagine if Mary and Joseph had shared my attitude. e shepherds would have missed the opportunity to see Jesus and would have had nothing to tell everyone they met. e doors would have been shuttered; the baby would have been isolated. Mary and Joseph would have had their peace, but it would have cost the joy and amazement of their guests. Implicit in the angels' announcement was an invitation. When the shepherds were told about the baby, they were moved to action. e invitation was to go and see, to seek and find, to experience and tell. ey were welcomed into the new family, and they were offered hospitality. Even though they were the outcasts of society, they were not turned away from seeing the baby. e announcement "You will find a baby" carried the message "Welcome to the Savior. Come be at home." 7