Luke 7:44-47 (NIV) “Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
Jesus comes to Simon’s house and, as this passage shows us, he was not a very good host. He ignored the social norms and customs of the day and treated Jesus in a very disrespectful way. I wonder what we would do if Jesus was to come to our homes today in this Christmas season? I am sure we would all treat Him with respect and love but I wonder how the visit would unfold. Would there be things that were priorities in our lives we would no longer value as much and set them aside for that day? Would there be things we wish we would have done to be a better informed host? I am sure there would be things we all would change or do over. But the secret here is “love.” The woman who welcomes Jesus welcomes Him in “great love.” Agape love has a way of filtering priorities, arranging schedules and implementing action, not only at Christmas but all year. It is seeing, daily, God’s grace and forgiveness in our lives and responding in love. My friends, the rest will fit into place!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for coming into our homes daily, for your presence in our lives through your Holy Spirit. May we welcome you each day in love and devotion. You are a priceless guest. May our hearts be your home – we love you. In your precious name – Amen.
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