Welcoming the World to Your Table During Holidays and Beyond

Almost everyone envisions a family feast around the table during the holidays.  But have you ever imagined sharing your table with more than just your family?  Many years ago, on Thanksgiving morning, I discovered that a recently widowed neighbor did not have a place to celebrate the holiday. I felt God prompt me to invite her to our dinner, with only three hours’ notice! She joined us, and later wrote us that it was the most meaningful Thanksgiving in her life!  What a simple way to be a living example of God’s love to others. Today, at age 68, I have hundreds of such rich stories that I treasure! My adage has become “there is always room for one more at the table.”

For more than a decade, my Thanksgiving tables were set up throughout the house, in the living room, dining room, kitchen and basement, to accommodate 40 or more people from around the world!  That’s right.  God knew how much I wanted to travel the world, so He brought the world to my door!  Every year, I invited all the students who attended my ESL (English as a Second Language) class at The Chapel to join our family and friends to celebrate this American tradition.  The students were fascinated when I pulled the huge stuffed bird from the oven!  Everyone brought a dish to share; we served sushi alongside sweet potatoes.

Our Thanksgiving gathering always begins with a pre-dinner tradition – “The Five Kernels of Corn.”  I read the true story of how hard life was for the Pilgrims, many of whom died of starvation, and how they were each rationed five kernels of corn per day.  Each guest then drops their five kernels in a basket, one at a time, recounting the blessings God has given them that year.  Many will express that their number one gift is being in our home, which fills my heart and, I believe, brings pleasure to God.

Although not everyone is capable of feeding a multitude, we can all reach out to someone who may be feeling left out during the holidays or any other time of year.  Whether it’s one, two or 20, someone is just waiting for your invitation.  God is our willing and guiding partner in the invitation. We can count on Him to provide opportunities and help us really “see” people.  We’ve all heard it before – but people don’t care how fancy your home or your food is…. they are just delighted to be invited.

Another guest at our Thanksgiving table was a 59-year-old former drug addict named Toni.  She was in a new Bible study I was attending, of all places!  A recent convert to Christianity, Toni stole my heart with her enthusiasm and her out-of-the-box questions.  She was definitely not your typical “church lady.” I sensed God nudging me to go up and encourage her after the study.  Toni was so elated; she gave me her phone number. I thought, “God, I don’t have time to invest in another friendship.” But that relationship ended up being one of the most profound experiences of my life.  Toni joined our large Thanksgiving circle that fall, breaking into tears, saying, “I have never experienced a family meal like this!” There are so many more stories about Toni…. including organizing her first-ever birthday party at the age of 60!  Only God knew the providential timing of my invitation to her, as only six months after we met, He unexpectedly called her home.  I was shaken to think, “How many times have I hushed the inner voice of the Holy Spirit because I didn’t feel capable?  How many blessings like this have I missed?”

The guest who traveled the furthest to share our Thanksgiving was 28-year-old Julio from the Congo!  We had never met Julio, but when he arrived at our door, toweringly tall with very dark skin, we knew exactly who he was!  He traveled overseas for a new job in Akron, and contacted us through the global Mennonite Your Way Hospitality Network we belong to.  We continued to invite him to family activities and every holiday afterward, until he took a job in Atlanta and got married.  We belong to three hospitality networks, so we often house strangers who are just passing through Akron.  What a delight to share our life stories and a meal.  I can happily attest to the truth of the Scripture, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2.

I credit my Mom for teaching me to include other people.  When I was growing up, she often invited those without family to our table.  Or she would ask permission to bring her widowed friends to the holiday gatherings at my aunt’s home.  When I got my own home, it was natural to invite others to our table.  I believe that living with an “open invitation philosophy” is very valuable for our four children; they learned to open their hearts to other nationalities and cultures, and to be sensitive to the life circumstances of those around them.

Christmas and Easter are also ideal times to invite others in – Jesus is the reason for both seasons, so the door to conversation about Him is wide open around your table.  We find that talking about the differences between secular and Christian holiday symbols and traditions can lead to deep spiritual discussions, especially with internationals. What a simple way to represent God’s open arms and share His Gospel message with others.

But, we don’t have to wait for holidays; there are people all around us who are longing for an invitation to connect every day.  We just need to open our eyes to who God places in our path and be willing to step out of our comfort zone.  Let’s look in the eyes of those around us – the cashier, the librarian, the neighbor, the co-worker.  I guarantee you will meet a few of God’s angels.

— Cindy Berry for The Sublime Soiree (c) November 2025