How Hoteliers fulfil the need for a safe space to rest
Advent devotions: How many professions do you find represented in the Christmas story? We find seven, and as a gift to you this advent, we have made a devotion about each one of them. This is the second one, and if focuses on hoteliers.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:4-7 (NVI)
The story of Jesus' birth serves as a powerful inspiration for how hoteliers fulfil the need for a safe space to rest. Just as Mary and Joseph sought refuge at an inn, people in the hospitality business strive to provide a welcoming environment where weary travellers can find solace and comfort. Like the innkeeper who made room for the holy family, hoteliers go above and beyond to ensure their guests feel secure and cared for.
When I consider my response to individuals who treated my parents kindly during our struggles, I like to believe that Jesus shared a unique bond with those "innkeepers."
Throughout the years, my house has served as a secure haven for numerous guests. We frequently accommodate business travellers who require short stays in Cape Town and international visitors attending our church. Without fail, these individuals consistently express their gratitude for the exceptional quality of sleep they experience during their time with us. Despite the demanding nature of their assignments and busy schedules, they feel refreshed and rejuvenated, as if they were on vacation. Additionally, our guests often leave with newfound inspiration and innovative solutions to long-standing challenges they had grappled with.
I would love to say that the reason behind it all is the atmosphere we create with our good service, nice beds, excellent food and great staff. The truth is that although we do strive to excel in all of this, we do not have anything more or less than the hotel or guest house up the street.
We however do one thing differently.
As we prepare their rooms, we pray for the guests who will stay with us. We pray for God's blessing of rest amidst busy schedules. We pray for divine guidance to become influential figures in their industry. We pray for wisdom to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. We pray for receptive hearts to seek more of God's presence, and for companions who will guide them towards His truth.
These prayers have been answered in many ways. The most exciting part is that people always want to return because they have a haven away from home, offering a physical space to rest and a sense of warmth and hospitality.
I encourage any hotelier or guesthouse owner to find new ways to embody the spirit of compassion and empathy, mirroring the timeless tale of Jesus' humble birth.
Prayer
Dear heavenly father,
Help us to make room for anyone you send in our way so we can receive them as you want us to. Let us be hospitable both at work and at home, knowing that by so doing we may show “hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hey 13;2.