At this time of year for a number of years, Joe and I became innkeepers. No, we didn't open a Bed and Breakfast, but we did set up a cozy inn with a fireplace and welcome guests so that we could share our stories. Our church, First Baptist Church in Richmond, Texas, has a custom of offering a gift to our community each year at Christmastime, called Experiencing Christmas. This is not the expected scenes from a live nativity, as special as those can be - but a group of people who put on the characters from the Christmas story like they put on the robes and headwraps. We became Jacob and Rachel, innkeepers who find a place for the holy family that is clean and quiet and away from the public, their stable. As small groups of guests came in to sit by our fire and talk to us, we talked about our fears, our amazement, our wonder, our belief.
Every year, the drama changes to tell different parts of the story, and this year, the inn changes too. It will come after groups have finished their walk through the story scenes. But Jacob and Rachel will still offer their hospitality in a reception area. No cookies and punch though - there will be flatbreads and cheese, olives, and dates, and pomegranates. Looks like I just can't get out of the kitchen. But then I don't really want to. Welcome to our inn!
