<< >>
In this devotional, a hesitant heart climbs a hill and discovers a radiant home, a glowing tree, and gifts that last far beyond the season. These gifts are for all of us, no matter the season we are in.
Read on, and rest in His love.
Warmly,
JK
You Are Always Welcome
By J.K. Stenger
A Christmas Story for All Seasons
The house of the Master stood beyond the city, atop a high hill.
A truly wonderful place. It was said though, that not everyone could climb there, nor could all enter His dwelling. It was reserved for those who did no evil, spoke no lies and longed to serve Him.
Was I among them? I hardly dared to think so.
I loved the Master and longed to serve Him but who was I, to be counted good before Him?
Still, I pressed on, the first time I made the climb. When I arrived and timidly rapped upon His door, I did not know what to expect.
The door swung wide.
A radiant smile greeted me and before I could gather my thoughts He drew me into His arms. His joy at seeing me was real, unmistakably genuine.
“You are always welcome,” He said.
I had never forgotten those words.
And now I was to climb the hill again.
An invitation lay before me. An invitation to celebrate Christmas with Him atop His hill.
So, I made the climb.
And when I stepped inside, my eyes could hardly believe what I beheld: a towering Christmas tree, aglow with countless heavenly lights, sparkling in rhythm with a soft hymn that filled the house.
“A Christmas tree…” I whispered. “I never expected this.”
He smiled warmly. “Perhaps in the house of My Father you would find none, but I know you love them, so why not?” He gestured to the tree. “And there are gifts as well, My Christmas offerings for you.”
I gazed in astonishment at the pile of gifts beneath the tree. “For me…?” I asked, hesitantly.
He nodded and motioned toward a comfortable chair near the hearth. “All for you. I have gifts for all who come, but these are yours.”
I wandered the house, drinking in its wonders: the soft music, the scent of pine and crackling wood, the warmth, the quiet intimacy… Heaven itself could not be more perfect.
“But first, a treat,” He said, setting before me a generous slice of heavenly cake.
Then He sat across from me, eyes filled with deep appreciation and friendship. I could not comprehend it, for I had done nothing worthy of such regard. Yet my heart leapt and if I had been able to, I would have sung aloud in joy.
When my treat was finished, He said, “Now, the gifts.”
“All of them?” I asked, overwhelmed by the abundance. “How could I carry them all?”
“All,” He said, smiling.
I knelt beside the first gift: a large package, wrapped in paper adorned with cherubs. Carefully, I tore it open and read the heavenly script: “The peace of God.”
Romans 5:1 –
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Tears sprang to my eyes. Even if I received only this gift, it would be more than enough. Yet there were more, many more.
The second package was large as well, but wrapped in delicate, fragile parchment. I almost feared to touch it, yet He encouraged me. I unraveled the paper and read: “God’s loving goodness toward us.”
Romans 5:2 –
“Through Him we also rejoice in God’s loving kindness, and through Him we may always be glad, for we know we shall dwell in His glorious presence.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. I turned to Him, shoulders trembling. “My God, my Lord… how good You are.”
He smiled. “It is Christmas. There is still more.”
The third gift lay before me, wrapped in black paper.
I hesitated.
Carefully I tore it open and discovered: “Trials and difficulties.”
Romans 5:3 –
“We also rejoice in our hardships, for through them we learn perseverance.”
I had always feared difficulties! Yet for the first time, I saw their purpose. How could I grow into the character He desired, without them? Pressing the gift to my heart, I whispered, “Thank You, Lord. This is precious beyond words.”
He nodded. “It prepares you for the next gifts,” He said calmly.
The fourth was smaller, yet carefully wrapped. It read: “Perseverance.”
Romans 5:4 –
“And perseverance produces character, and character hope, and hope does not disappoint, for we trust in God.”
“O Lord,” I breathed, voice breaking. “Thank You for perseverance, that I may learn to trust You fully.”
Finally, the last gift shone as if light itself radiated from it. My name was written in flowing letters. He nodded. “Open it. It is yours alone.”
I drew it close. The paper was soft, scented, comforting. Gently, I revealed its message: “God’s love in my heart.”
Romans 5:5 –
“And hope does not put us to shame, for God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
I stayed with Him for long hours, drinking in His presence. When I finally descended the hill, night had fallen. Strangely, I carried every gift with ease; they were as light as air, yet eternal in value.
I wept all the way home. My life would never be the same.
That Christmas I had received gifts not merely for a season, but for eternity.
And I knew I would spend the rest of my life learning their true value.
And just before I entered my home, I remembered His words:
“Son, you are always welcome.”