OK…That's a really lame title, but I want guys to know that this writing can apply to them as well. I've been told that I have the gift of hospitality. I guess I do. But I think I used to associate that with being a Martha (from the Bible--not Martha Stewart) and almost saw it as a negative.

We've all heard that Biblical account of the Christmas story. You know--Linus' big speech taken from Luke 2, meant to explain to Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. But let's really think about this entire story.

If you're like me, there have been times in life when it's difficult to make that list. Oh, certainly at the very least, we are grateful for a place to lay our heads and food to eat. And as believers, we are obviously thankful for the gift of salvation provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus. But what if there has been loss, unexpected tragedy, grave illness, hardship? There may be years when that turkey you craft looks like it's already had its feathers plucked!