Soul Food: “True Hospitality at Christmas” by May Patterson

“Do not neglect to show hospitality…”

Hebrews 13:2

My Grandmother Betty certainly took this verse to heart. She put up vegetables all summer for our weekly family dinners (otherwise, we might have to settle for mere store-bought produce). She made homemade mayonnaise, because the kind in the jar just wouldn’t do. Her signature, yet quirky, Southern way to be hospitable was by keeping homemade cheese straws on hand—for emergencies, of course.

Grandmother kept cheese straws on hand for every life event—especially the holidays (like any decent woman should). She pressed them out with a hand press, because she considered using the electric press to be, well…cheating. Even when she got arthritis, the muscles in her hands had such memory that she never slowed down. Pressing the straws was kind of like breathing or eating. She just did it.

She made her cheese straws from extra sharp cheese and real butter (that was before anybody cared). Their velvety texture left orange crumbs on her coffee table and on her linen napkins. She kept bags of frozen straws in her freezers, because you just never knew who would come visit, and a visit without cheese straws, was, well—inappropriate.

She lived this way because of her life experience. My grandmother survived the Great Depression, living through the dilemma of not having enough, and yet still trying to practice hospitality, as she knew it. She even had to move up near the North (to Knoxville), for a few years so my grandfather could get work. After the depression she returned with great relief, southern manners and hospitality well intact.

Grandmother practiced true hospitality—for her it was not a sideline event or a matter of being stylish. Her cheese straws were just a small way that she expressed her love to others. She invited people from all walks of life and made sure everyone was well fed. She had more friends than anyone I’ve ever known. Although her ways seem funny so many years later, I smile when I think of all she did and all she meant to people. Her abundant love inspired her to share and to entertain, and she was a blessing.

I wish I did more of that. While her brand of southern hospitality is a little outdated (sorry Granny), am I creating my own modern brand of hospitality? What is my signature kindness?

Even though our traditions and styles have changed, practicing hospitality is still the same—true hospitality is love expressed in action. We each express it differently (and that’s okay). Hospitality is more about love and generosity than it is about cheese straws or Martha Stewart or having good taste (no offense to Martha).

I see different forms of hospitality expressed everywhere, in big-hearted ways. Every week, my friend Ginna hosts our Bible study group in her home. My Mama serves coffee to the elderly down at the retirement home, just to be kind. My friend Pat prays with patients (including me this year) right before they go into surgery. I am thankful for their beautiful examples of love in action.

Amy Carmichael said, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” I think that means that true hospitality is not really about entertaining—it is about expressing love. Acts of hospitality occur naturally, when we love God and other people from the heart.

This Christmas, may we all search for our own unique, quirky ways to share and to care, even if it’s doing something simple. Let us not skip true hospitality, but continue to serve one another, especially during this season of joy and giving.

Prayer:

Lord, open our hearts and hands to those around us. May our hospitality and generosity flow out of our abundant love for you and for others. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

What is your signature act of kindness or hospitality?

1. To whom can you open your home? Who might need your special brand of hospitality?

Treasure Hunt:

“Let love of your fellow believers continue. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Heb. 13:1-2, AMP)

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…” (Matt. 25:35 ESV)

“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” (Is 58:7, NLT)

Faith in Action:

Invite others in and share your love.

Author:  May Patterson

May Patterson, author of the book A Time to Seek, began writing in response to God’s grace. And by His grace, she has written magazine articles, Bible studies, and spoken at a variety of events. Her desire is to help people draw closer to God. May is married to her dear friend Mike and they have three grown children. She has a great love for the outdoors, travel and blogging at http://maypatterson.tumblr.com

Tags: Christmas, Huntsville, May Patterson, Our City On A Hill, Soul Food