A Simple Message of Love
Table Talk
Setting the Table
You are welcome here. Come just as you are, bringing whatever is on your heart today. Take a few moments and allow yourself to just be. Take a couple deep breaths, grab yourself a cup of coffee, light a candle, do something that brings you comfort. Allow yourself to be present in this moment.
How would it make you feel for someone to call simply to let you know you were loved?
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
- Lao Tzu
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Luke 2:9-11
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Food for Thought
Not long ago, I received a phone call from a dear friend. It was unusual because I normally don't get phone calls from them. Every now and then I’ll get a text or Facebook message of season’s greetings, or a more general message of love and support. But this morning they called, all the way from Arizona, just to say hello and send some love. I was so surprised and caught off guard that my instinct was to worry – I almost asked if everything was okay – I kept waiting for the reason they had called. The reason was simply me; they called just to let me know that they were thinking of me – that they loved me. It really meant a lot to get that phone call that day.
In the midst of this busy season, when folks have all the reasons in the world to savor their spare time for themselves, those closest to them, and their most pressing needs, here were a few minutes offered for me. That simple, short, phone call served as a reminder that I am loved, that my presence matters to someone in this world beyond the usual suspects of immediate family and neighbors and colleagues I see week-to-week.
I was reminded in that brief moment that even when I am not thinking about it or focused on it, even when I don’t expect it – it’s there – the kind of love that catches you off guard, that shows up when you least expect it, that doesn’t expect anything in return, that offers reassurance and goodness for the journey that is life. That kind of love, offered for me that day, gave me hope and renewed my spirit.
Years ago, God showed up unexpectedly as a babe in a manger to offer a little reminder of hope and love for our world. And the equivalents of heavenly phone calls were sent – messengers brought startling, but good, news of great joy to an unwed, Palestinian soon-to-be-mother, to her partner and unsuspecting soon-to-be-father, to shepherds abiding in fields, as well as wandering seekers of wisdom and light.
The message came: unto you is born...Christ, the Lord, Emmanuel – “God With Us”. Unto YOU. The message was simply you. You matter. You are beloved. God loves you. God loves you enough to enter into this world – to come to you with a love that is startling and surprising, that is there for you whether you are looking for it or not, that holds you in all that you are, forever and ever and ever, offering reassurance and goodness towards your renewal. How great a love is that!
The message from God is simply YOU. And the message of Christmas is simply LOVE.
Take some time out of your day to give someone a call simply to let them know you love them and are thinking about them.
This holiday season, be present with your loved ones and friends. Create a space that offers a little more grace, love, and true welcome to all who join your table. If you need a few ideas, here are Five Things to Remember When Setting a Welcome Table for the Holidays.
This printable version of today's reflection, “A Simple Message of Love”, is for you to use in whatever way is helpful for you in your journey!
Blessing
God of Love,
We give thanks for the ways you show up for us in the world.
Help us to remember that your love is always there for us –
an unexpected gift, a delightful sign of hope.
A little Table Talk for your table...
When was the last time someone called you simply to let you know they were thinking of you? How did that call make you feel?
It can seem almost impossible to grasp the full depth of God’s love for us. Discuss with a friend God’s message of love. How do you understand or recognize God’s love in your life?
How do our everyday human connections of love – phone calls, texts, hugs, etc. – embody the immeasurable, almost overwhelming, reality of God’s love for us?
Try taking it to the Kids Table...
Ask your kiddos how they can show others they care about them. Could they draw pictures? Write letters? Offer gifts?
Then, ask them how they know or recognize they are loved. What helps to remind them of that truth?
Have your child name one dear person they’d like to call or write a letter to, and assist your child in reaching out to that individual.
Meet Our Welcoming Voice!
The Welcome Table Team - We are “The Bunce Girls!” Originally from Lexington, North Carolina, we were raised surrounded by music, justice, and faith. We spent most of our Sunday afternoons gathered around an open table with family and friends where the food was plentiful, stories and laughter connected our hearts, and where the presence of each individual was held sacred. It’s those moments that have inspired The Welcome Table.
To hear more from the TWT Team throughout the week, follow along on our Instagram!
Here are Five Things to Remember When Setting Your Own Welcome Table!