Faith Matters December 2025: Leighton Linslade Churches Together

The monastaries offered hospitality to travellers. The ‘hospitaller’ was the monk in charge of receiving guests. And in a Sikh Gudwara every visitor is offered food. During a winter cold spell, it is worth embracing this custom, so that people can find warm spaces and a friendly welcome when they need it.

The story of the birth of Jesus tells that there was no room in the inn, but Mary and Joseph were given shelter in the stable. It would have been common in those days for families to sleep in the same building as their animals.

People slept upstairs and animals below. This meant that all were warm. So, despite the often-heard innkeeper’s line in nativity plays, “There is no room at the inn”, in fact there was hospitality offered.

As we experience more extreme weather due to climate change, the offer of hospitality is even more vital. With many people having to move away from their normal habitat because of drought or floods, hospitality by neighbouring countries is a necessary kindness.

It is sad to learn that some communities are hostile to refugees. The golden rule is ‘do unto others what you would have them do to you’.

If we needed to move out of our homes would it not be lovely if we were welcomed by a warm and friendly neighbour? Even if we cannot offer such hospitality ourselves we could encourage our community and our government to act in a welcoming way. Rather than refuse to help we could be kind and open

Christmas is a time to be generous. At Hogmanay the tradition is to offer hospitality to visitors.

So, let us not only wish others peace but share our warm friendship with any in need. Try to make it a happy Christmas and New Year for all.