Last Saturday, Cazandra and I hosted an open house party for our church family. Gathering outside the church grounds invites a sense of relaxation and a chance to get to know people more deeply. Everyone loved the decorations and brought more food than anyone might eat in a lifetime. Laughter filled the background music, and my pastor’s heart felt content and complete.

    One of my favorite parts of our gathering centered around the island in our kitchen. I explained to the group that there is something quite powerful about sharing special moments around a table. We celebrate successes, share disappointments, and encourage one another to run the race to the fullest. We come to the table to find nourishment, both physically and spiritually.

    We clean our spiritual house to prepare for the coming Messiah. Little do we know, but Jesus already made his presence known. He comes in the smiles and faces of friends and family as we share stories around a table. Laughter reminds us of the joy of pausing to savor one another’s company. In the middle of it all, the Christ delights in feasting with His creation.

    The table around which we gather has no special powers. It is a place that invites us to gather as the people of God and welcome the One who delights in our presence. As we wait for the guest to arrive at our house, we realize the Divine is here, at this very moment. Sacred love stores memories of joy in our hearts as we delight in this season of hope and promise. The banquet is all prepared; therefore, let us keep the feast.