In many cultures, Christmas is a season of feasting, celebration, giving, and joy, even among pre-believers. Amidst the celebrations, I paused and asked myself two questions:
1. Am I too busy to accept Jesus’ invitation to His banquet?
2. Is Jesus a guest at every party I host and participate in?
Let us reflect on these questions in light of Jesus’ Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14:16-24.
Question 1: Am I too busy to accept Jesus’ invitation?
In the parable, a man prepares a great banquet and invites many guests. However, the invited guests decline with seemingly legitimate reasons, and we can imagine their responses:
One said, “I would love to come, but I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.”
Another said, “How I wish I could, but I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I need to examine them. Please have me excused.”
And yet another said, “Alamak! I have just married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.”
These seemingly valid excuses reveal how our worldly concerns can take precedence over God’s invitation. They remind us to reflect on how easily we, too, can prioritise our possessions, work, or personal commitments above accepting the call to draw near to Him.
During Christmas, we often become very preoccupied with decorating our homes, buying gifts, and planning menus. For me, everything must be perfect, and the hosting can leave me more tired than ever.
In the midst of all this, have we forgotten the true Host of the season? Have we neglected Jesus’ call to pause, reflect, and enter His banquet of grace?
Question 2: Is Jesus a guest in every party I host and/or participate in?
As we host parties and gatherings, have we truly invited Jesus to our celebrations? Jesus desires to be present, not as a passive observer but as the honoured Guest in our homes and hearts.
When Jesus is absent, the enemy often finds an opportunity to slip in.
Pride takes over, and our gatherings become about appearances, approvals, and accolades.
Greed blinds us to the needs of others, especially the least and the lonely.
Strife and gossip replace peace and love.
But when Jesus is the Guest, His presence transforms our gatherings. Generosity overflows:
We share our time (by being present), not just our food.
We offer encouragement, not just gifts.
We create a space where everyone feels valued and loved.
We listen to others and avoid focusing on self-display.
This Christmas season, may our tables reflect the generosity, love, and grace of the One who invites us to His eternal banquet. Let every celebration be a true reflection of His presence.
Leave a space for Jesus.
Blessed Christmas to one and all!
Wan Leng Ho
