Coming Home

Homecomings are celebration times.  When soldiers return home we bring out the flags and the brass band.  When our children return home we cook up a whole mess of food and clear our schedules for some reunion times. 

When we “come home” we know we are coming to a place where we belong.  It is a place of love, trust and acceptance.  We receive hugs and kisses.  We will feel a profound sense of belonging. 

When I return to my roots I walk the streets of my home town and visit the houses I lived in as a small boy.  I reminisce.  Fond memories are found when we come home. 

There will be a bit of homecoming during the Christmas holidays.  Travel plans will be made, egg nog bought and chilled, and pies baked.

Remember the prodigal son in the parable from the Bible?  He came back home.  There was fear, trepidation, and anxiety in his returning home. 

Would he be accepted? 

Would he have to sleep with the pigs? 

When would he ever earn enough to buy a decent suit of clothes?

But homeward he went. 

Every step was a step of faith that he would be accepted. 

Every step was a step of anticipation of resting his eyes on his father and brother, just one more time. 

And what a homecoming he received.  While he was a long way off, his Father saw him, and began giving orders.

“Kill the calf.  Bring the best robe.  Invite all of our neighbors.  My son has come home.  It is reunion time.  It will be the homecoming of homecomings.” 

What a picture. 

-Welcomed back as if he had never left.

-Received with the same status as when he left.

-Robed and fed as if he belonged, once again, in the immediate family – not a step-child, not even as a second cousin. 

-He was a first-born again with all the rights and privileges that go with that. 

Amazing!

That was quite a homecoming.

And it is ours as well.  When we turn to our Father God, he throws open the cupboards, turns back the covers on the most comfortable bed, and he prepares a feast – all for us, for we have returned home.

Home to the God who loves us with such intensity – such devotion – such unconditional love.

No conditions.

   No restraints.

      No sermon.

Just love.

I love homecomings.

P Michael Biggs

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One Word at a Time

P.S. Christmas themed blogs begin on Monday, Dec. 3.  I'll be posting on Monday and Friday and each one for each of my blog sites will be different.  Thanks for tuning in - read as many as you wish - share them - be  blessed this Christmas season.