Jennifer Clark Tinker Living Faith

trio of bread (Photo credit: kidmissile)

I haven’t made a big deal about it on social media, but I have been in Bethlehem this Christmas. I’m no Hebrew scholar, but I’m told that “Bethlehem” means “house of bread.” And that’s exactly the kind of house I’ve been staying in–a house with plenty of good bread.

We came to Houston to visit my husband’s family for Christmas. We arrived on Christmas day and since there was extra family in town for the holiday, there was no room for us in the upper room where we usually sleep at my in-laws’ house.

Not to worry though, one of my husband’s brothers and his family also live in Houston and their upper room had a vacancy. And as much as I love my outpost with my mother and father in law, it is a treat to get to be at my brother-in-law’s house.

In addition to this brother-in-law being a stand-up guy (as are all three of my husband’s brothers), his wife and family are some of my favorite people. Two of my husband’s brothers are married and I really enjoy my “sisterhood” with both of their wives. Plus, the kids are great kids that I adore and wonderful companions to my son.

Aside from the formal festivities over at my mother & father in-law’s house, we have enjoyed a lot of free time to just relax and hang out over here in Bethlehem.

Why am I referring to it as Bethlehem?

Well, it’s because, despite the super relaxed atmosphere of this home, we are well-provided for. This is evidenced by the fact that there are several different kinds of bread available.

I actually lost count of all the options my sister-in-law told me about at brunch yesterday. And I stopped paying attention to the list rather quickly because she had me at bagels. I discovered there’s a lovely pumpernickel loaf and there are English muffins too!

There’s just something very comforting about all this bread being around here. Nobody has to worry or fuss because there’s plenty of bread.

Hungry? Slice off some pumpernickel!

Feeling snacky? Toast an English muffin!

I’m writing this because it is a meaningful reminder to myself. Sometimes I fret over hospitality, but having such a satisfying time in Bethlehem this Christmas reminds me of the profound comfort of providing lots of good bread.