Why Re-Gifting Christmas Will Make You Happy

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Do you have the gift of hospitality?

I have to admit, it’s not something that is easy for me. I’m not sure why. I may just be too hard on myself wanting everything to be perfect. Which is hard because I don’t consider myself gifted in the kitchen.

But the truth is … hospitality isn’t about perfect food served in a perfect home, it’s about heart sharing, getting to know each other, and most importantly — just showing kind and caring love to one another.

When my friend, Sue Donaldson, offered this post to me I knew I had to share it with you because even if you don’t need it, I do!

Sue gets hospitality! I love her site, Welcome Home: Food for Body and Soul. 

Have you ever read Sue’s “About” Page? No?! You need to as it starts like this:

God invites you into deep soul relationship – the kind you were meant for. Why? Because He loves you. You’re on the Guest List. WelcomeHeart exists to remind you of God’s Inviting Heart. And it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve RSVP’d –once you’ve said, “I’m in, Lord” — WH seeks to encourage and equip you to invite another. God loves using your table to extend His welcome.

That’s hospitality! Being so excited that you and I are on God’s guest list we can’t keep it to ourselves. We must spread the word and extend His invitation to the people He puts in our lives.

And Sue reminds us to keep it simple:

“Would you like to come over? Nothing fancy. Bring the kids. Please come. You’re welcome here.”

I love that!

So, please give her a big welcome and enjoy her tips for a Christmas gathering that is simple, fun, and guaranteed to be a blessing!

Why Re-Gifting Christmas Will Make You Happy

Who will you Re-Gift Christmas to this week? Plenty of time yet. You don’t need to invite the whole neighborhood, but you might.

Singing along with my sister this morning and making a double-batch of chili. College girls for dinner again tonight. I hope it will be cold and brisk enough for chili. I hope they love chili. The Man-in-Plaid does so love chili–he’s been known to order chili when he could order steak. #noleftovers

My sister, Lori, sent me a CD of her singing Advent carols shortly after they became Lutherans–the first time for her–being a Lutheran, I mean. She and I grew up a mild version of Baptist–but it was a return to his past for husband Leonard–now pastoring at lovely St John’s in Oak Park, just outside brisk and cold Chicago. (Lots of days for chili for the Paytons!)

I mention Lutherans and Baptists (did I mention Presbyterians? No? No matter) –I mention this, not to discuss differences; rather for the sake of connection, peace and unity in light of the Gospel. All for One and One for all – as the French would say. Weren’t the Three Musketeers French? Oui, I believe.

Our One, our All is Jesus and we all celebrate Him this Advent season.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 NLT

Our pastor is teaching the Re-gifting of Christmas – Californians so love being green – re-gifting fits right in. I’ll re-gift His love and warmth this evening with our two “adopted” Cal Poly students. And again Saturday morning to our neighbor ladies. Here’s what landed in their mailboxes last Sunday.

Neighborhood Ladies Christmas Coffee

At the home of Sue Donaldson

71 Mariposa Drive

Saturday – December 16 – 9:00 am

Bring something to share and, to Celebrate Baby Jesus’ Birthday, bring

an unwrapped Baby Gift. All donations will go to Family Care Network, San Luis Obispo

Please RSVP

Text 471-8271 or call 544-9767

Email: sue@welcomeheart.com

It’s a busy time—come even for a quick cup of coffee and a Merry Christmas!

It’s been fun receiving texts the last couple days – I don’t know many of the names of neighbors in these 90-plus houses – so name tags will abound, with lots of coffee, egg bakes and good cheer. Praying that our re-gifting of home and hearth will turn many hearts to Jesus.

See? All for One and One for all:

The Savior of our race.

No mention of Lutherans and Baptists.

For God so loved the world.

Praise God for that!

Here’s an a cappella arrangement – also gorgeous, although I favor Lori’s clear soprano – she needs to make a YouTube channel.

Here’s the text to sing along while you make your double-batch of something this fine morning.

1 Of the Father’s love begotten ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega — He the source, the ending He,
of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see
evermore and evermore.
2 O that birth forever blessed, when a virgin, blest with grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race;
and the babe, the world’s Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face,
evermore and evermore.
3 This is He whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.
4 Let the heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, his praises sing:
powers, dominions, bow before Him and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore.
5 Christ, to you, with God the Father and the Spirit, there shall be
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and the shout of jubilee:
honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory
evermore and evermore.

Who will you Re-Gift Christmas to this week? Plenty of time left. You don’t need to invite the whole neighborhood, but you might.

As a Retreat Speaker, Bible teacher, or workshop leader, Sue loves sharing who God is with whoever comes her way. For her, intentional hospitality for the sake of Jesus is a joy and a privilege, and she knows it can be learned! Sue has a deep desire to encourage others to find the reality and joy of knowing God through his Word –and that can happen at any kitchen table or back porch.

Sue and her husband Mark reside in San Luis Obispo, California with their three daughters, Bonnie Sue, Bethany and their “surprise” treat at almost 44, Mary Grace.

They fellowship at Grace Church where Sue teaches women’s Bible Studies, coordinates Central Coast outreach events and speaks at Women’s Retreats.

You can follow her at Welcome Home, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And everything in Sue’s Shop is 20% off through tomorrow November 30th. The code is BLACKFRIDAY and the link is Welcome Home Shop.

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