Christmas Invitation

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Every year, the logistics of Christmas celebrations in our family are complicated. Every year, one side of my family is far more organised than the other.  They plan in advance where and when we will celebrate together, and who will do what.  My sibling's relatives by marriage are also planners.

Our side of the family... not so much.

One beloved female relative in particular, finds it stressful to plan ahead. She is quiet and unassuming, not assertive regarding her own preferences or feelings.  Every year, I struggle to communicate with this relative about how, where, and when our family should meet together. 

This year, enlightenment dawned after a quiet comment revealed that this relative was upset at the thought that she might be alone on Christmas Day due to conflicting plans in the extended family.

This relative needs to be invited.  Made to feel special, wanted, and welcomed.  This relative wants to know that her absence would be noticed.  Jumping ahead to the where/when/who/what conversation, without a warmly explicit invitation first, makes her feel rushed and taken for granted.

How could I have missed this?

After all, this is Christmas.  The season when we have the opportunity, each year, to invite our Saviour in.  The ones who are willing and ready to welcome him, will be greatly blessed by God.  Those who have "no room at the inn", will miss out. 

Lord, I gladly welcome you.  Help me to make others welcome too.

"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37