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It’s that time of the year again when the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and our homes become extra cozy. The leaves change into stunning colors, we start cooking warm dishes, and we add fall clothes to our wardrobes. We eagerly anticipate gathering with family and friends during this season and the upcoming holidays. Our homes get decluttered, cleaned, and polished, ready to welcome our friends and family.

The autumntime is my favorite season because of all these things. I always look forward to visiting my parents during the fall. Even though they do not live far from me, my mom makes a point to make me feel welcomed and at home. There are always candles lit, the living areas perfectly decorated, and many times some warm food or beverage ready. My mom is the perfect example of a hostess, the picture of hospitality. I love learning from my mom about how to be a hostess and hospitable in return. Now that I am a grown woman, wife to my husband, mother to my son, and run my own home — I look forward to the seasons and opportunities of offering hospitality. And because I love Jesus and His commands, I want everything I do to reflect that. I also encourage you to practice hospitality that brings glory to the Lord. I encourage you to love well the people that God has placed in your life. I encourage you to be hospitable to yourself.

Hospitality is a powerful way to demonstrate the love of Christ to others. Whether it be shown by inviting others into your home, building a relationship with someone, or performing a need for another, the opportunities are endless. Hospitality is for all people and ages. As children of God; commanded to love others and lead others to Christ, I believe we have all received a calling to live out biblical hospitality. Romans 15:7 says, “therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Let’s look at some other scriptures about it as well. After all, God’s word is the instruction manual for how we should live the lives He has given us, right? Romans 12: 9-13 says,

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Love one another, show hospitality; without grumbling, serve one another with the gifts that God has given you. These are such specific instructions to live by and a powerful responsibility that God has given us! However, we should not only show hospitality to others, but also to ourselves and Christ.

Before we show hospitality to ourselves and others, we must first make sure that we allow Christ into our lives. Ask yourself, how is my relationship with God? Am I asking Him to come into my day and be with me in everything I do? Am I seeking to know Him more? Is my home one that glorifies God? Do I speak about Him and praise Him in front of my family? Is my home a place where worshiping Christ takes place? When we purpose to make our homes and hearts places where Christ may enter, we will be able to pour out His love so much more to others. If someone came over to my house, would they be able to tell that it is a house that serves the Lord? This does not mean that the whole house needs to have all the cute signs and Christian decor displayed, but rather how will someone feel when they walk through my door? Will they be able to sense the presence of God in my house?

I’ll never forget this moment; it was around the time of my wedding a few years ago. My husband and I wanted our wedding week to be one that glorified the Lord and praised Him for the answered prayer of marriage. The last few nights before the wedding, my dearest childhood friend stayed with me. Again, I will never forget this. She said, “Amy, I felt God in your home; I just knew that He was there with us.” *Commence the sobbing* I pray that this will be the theme of my home for the rest of my life; that each person will experience Jesus and know Him more when they come and leave my house.

On the practical side of things, it is helpful to ask yourself if your home is a place where others want to come. Is your home tidy and inviting, or a complete disaster? Trust me; I have had those days when I do not want anyone to see my house. Especially since having a child, haha! Nothing stays clean for very long! But if you can keep the entertaining areas tidier and leave the private rooms to clean at another time, it may make cleaning and preparation more manageable for having others over. Honestly, I love clean, organized, and decorated interiors, but I also love when my house looks like a complete disaster at the end of the day. It reminds me that life has happened inside the house. I love when the kitchen is piled full of dishes; it reminds me that my husband and I have been cooking together, testing out new recipes, or feeding our son. I love it when my living room is completely covered with baby toys; it reminds me that there is a tiny little person crawling around somewhere. But I digress, onto the practical tips, and I hope that you find these helpful!

1. Focus on the intention: Begin by setting your intention to create a welcoming and hospitable environment. Remind yourself why being hospitable is important to you and how it can positively impact both you and your guests.
2. Create a welcoming space: Take a look at your home and consider how you can make it more inviting. This could be as simple as decluttering and organizing, adding cozy elements like blankets and pillows, or setting up a designated guest area. The goal is to create an environment where guests feel comfortable and at ease.
3. Focus on the details: Pay attention to the small details that can make a big difference. Set out fresh flowers, light candles, and play soft music to create a calming ambiance. Consider offering a variety of beverages and snacks that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
4. Practice active listening: When you have guests in your home, make a conscious effort to actively listen to them. Show genuine interest in their stories, thoughts, and experiences. Create a space where they feel heard and valued. Put down the phone.
5. Extend kindness and generosity: Hospitality is not just about the physical space, but also about the way you treat your guests. Be kind, gracious, and accommodating. Offer assistance and support, and make your guests feel like they are a part of your home.

Again, remember to love one another, show hospitality; without grumbling, serve one another with the gifts that God has given you. I hope that you have a wonderful season of preparation for the holidays. It’s my favorite time of the year, and I’m looking forward to making so many special memories with family and friends.