A prepared table

Darlene Smith
RR Ministerial

The Christmas Season is upon us again. The season brings many things to memory; Family gatherings, baking, presents being wrapped, Christmas carolling and don‚t forget, Christmas dinner.
King David was talking to God one day and penned the 23rd Psalm. The Lord is my Shepherd Part of the psalm says:
You prepare a feast [table] for me in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
There is always room at the Lord’s Table. When we’re there, we are given the royal treatment with plenty of food and drink.
Let’s take a look at where this food is prepared. In the presence of our enemies.
Eastern hospitality guarantees the security of the guest. „All the hallowed sanctions of hospitality gather around him for his defense. He is taken into the tent, food is placed before him, while his evaded pursuers stand frowningly at the door. –H. Howett
Many things might be listed as an enemy. Sickness, financial set backs, addictions that we can’t quite shake, family problems, someone slandering us, maybe guilt because of something we did do wrong etc.
All of these could be right there tormenting us as God is getting our table ready for us. Yet, God who knows all about us welcomes and invites us as a guest and will help us with everything we’re going through.
Then when we come in He anoints our heads with oil.
Guests were anointed with perfumed oil because it was considered a high privilege in the Eastern Hospitality to have guests in their homes. It was custom to treat guests with honour and the wounds of guests with olive oil and to provide for their needs.
Shepherds also, anointed the heads of their sheep to soothe the scratches and wounds.
God’s table is ready and waiting. At His table we’ll find the best for our souls; forgiveness, healing, love, acceptance and protection. He has already invited us to come.
Matthew 11:28-29
28 Then Jesus said, „Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.
There is nothing like coming home for Christmas; coming home to a house full of love, acceptance, healing and nurture. Rainy River, God has His table ready and prepared for all of you. Go home to Him and say like the song says: “I’ll be home for Christmas.” He’s waiting for you.
Rainy River Ministerial is hosting a Community Christmas Carol Sing at the Rainy River Rec Centre, Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome. Fellowship and Christmas goodies following.