"We'll need to get a bigger table!"

That's one of my favourite catch-cries at Christmas. With all the unexpected guests, drop-ins and tag-a-longs, people are used to making room.
It's open and inclusive, a time where everyone is 'family,'
where everyone is welcome at the table.

Once at month at church we have a community dinner after the service. Everyone is welcome, there's no cost - we love these nights and value the time spent around the table. It's our family dinner and we're always open to anyone joining the family.

Moving interstate, away from friends and family, Christmas could be a lonely time. Instead, we've seen first hand the generosity of others in welcoming us in, we know what it's like to be included.

We've got 3 Christmas meals this week, one of which is at our place.
We've also got 2 invitations on Christmas Day.
It's not because we're popular, it's because people have generously made a bigger table.

Check out Neighbor's Table - great concept, beautiful tables.

I want to take that attitude into every circumstance,
to find need for a bigger table.
Loving, caring, generous, welcoming.

I'm not so interested in building walls or working who's in and who's out.
Many see Christians that way.
They see Jesus that way.

But that's not the Jesus of Christmas.
That Jesus broke down the wall between heaven and earth.
He hung out with the losers, outcasts and the 'unclean.'
He spent his life inviting people to join him at his table and eating with others at theirs.

He calls his people to "get a bigger table" - all are welcome here.

Jesus knows a bit about table-making, he was the son of a carpenter after all.
And he has made a place for you.