The empty seat
lay an extra place at your table
For the last few years, I've laid an extra place at the Christmas table. It's always been for one particular person but this year the concept of the empty seat has emerged. I don't know if this is already a thing, but it has been popping into my awareness for a few weeks now that I'm feeling called to share it. I will still lay an extra place, and it will still be for that one very special person, but it will also be for so many more.
This year, the empty seat will be an invitation for us to remember all those who are missing from Christmas, for whatever reason. It will be an invitation to include them in our festivities; the dinner table chatter and trivia quizzes, the afternoon walk and lazy slumber in front of the telly.
It will be an invitation to remember those who are reeling from the sudden presence of an empty seat; a seat that was meant to be occupied this year and now isn't. To remember that for them, that empty seat represents one person only.
It will be an invitation to all who may not be having the Christmas they thought they would, or the one they would like, to join us at the table. We will remember all those who may need to feel the unconditional love of family, and extend a hand of loving kindness to them.
We will remember our privilege, and raise a toast in gratitude. For the roof over our heads, the food on our table, the gifts under the tree, and the peace outside our door. We will remember all those who are not as fortunate, and invite them to our empty seat.
Can you lay an extra place?
Wishing you happiness, peace, and prosperity this Christmas.
