This is a series of Advent reflections on a different word each day. The prompts are from Advent Word, an offering of Forward Movement, a ministry of the Episcopal Church.

Welcome – A Way of Life, an Expression of Faith

As a way of life, an act of love, an expression of faith, our hospitality reflects and anticipates God’s welcome. Simultaneously costly and wonderfully rewarding, hospitality often involves small deaths and little resurrections. By God’s grace we can grow more willing, more eager, to open the door to a needy neighbor, a weary sister or brother, a stranger in distress. Perhaps as we open that door more regularly, we will grow increasingly sensitive to the quiet knock of angels. In the midst of a life-giving practice, we too might catch glimpses of Jesus who asks for our welcome and welcomes us home.

—– Christine Pohl

I was struggling with what to write about welcome. Then I found this quote from Christine Pohl that says it much better than I.

Questions for Reflection

• Is there a place where you feel welcomed and valued?
• Have you ever experienced a lack of welcome or outright hostility?
• How do you welcome the other, especially some who looks different, believes differently, or loves differently from you?

Image accompanying quote by Ralph from Pixabay
Header Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Christine Pohl quote image from quotesayings.net