How excited would you be if an angel showed up to church? What would we do differently? Would we spend a little extra time polishing everything up? Would we be extra gracious, extra loving, and extra welcoming? What would we do if an angel showed up to church? 

       Hebrews 13:2, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

       The author of Hebrews says we’re supposed to be hospitable, to show strangers who come to our church love and welcome. But then he says they might actually be angels. I think what he’s trying to get us to realize is that the way we greet total strangers at church should be the way we’d greet a representative of the almighty God. We should be THAT welcoming of strangers, THAT loving, THAT gracious. They should feel as if they’re some special dignitary when they show up. They should feel like we knew they were coming and we got everything ready just for them. 

       You know, the main comment I get from people who come back to our church after their first visit is just how welcoming our church was to them. They say it feels different than other places they’ve been. They feel like we are genuinely excited they’re here. 

       That’s because of you. That’s because our volunteers were ready and eager to serve and guide the guests who show up at our church. Thank you. Thank you for practicing hospitality with strangers, as if they were angels sent from God. Thank you for loving and welcoming everyone with love and hospitality. It makes a difference!