There's no place like home

‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ is a Christmas song famously recorded by Bing Crosby. Originally written to honour soldiers overseas who longed to be home for the festive season, the song echoes a deeper spiritual sentiment of ‘homecoming’ that resides in every human heart.

C.S. Lewis famously wrote,

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us of this yearning, saying that God has set eternity in the hearts of humanity. We live in this world, but any fulfillment and desire we find here is only an echo of the perfect relationship between our Creator and creation that was lost in the Garden of Eden.

As followers of Jesus, we know that this is the ultimate homecoming. For this homecoming to happen — whether in our own hearts or in the hearts of others — reconciliation is needed.

A making of peace. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 reminds us that God’s intention in sending Jesus was to reconcile us with himself. The great news of the Christmas story is that it frames the character of God perfectly. Not as a stern Father with his arms folded, waiting for his disobedient child to come back and beg for forgiveness. It portrays the opposite — a loving Father offering forgiveness and reconciliation FIRST, waiting with his arms wide open.

This is the message of Christmas. “Come home”.

The angels of Christmas are spot on — this IS good news of great joy. This is the God that the world needs to hear about.

So, this Christmas, let’s take the opportunity to welcome people home. Let’s not hold back from introducing people to the greatest homecoming story in all of history. The invitation of a creator God and Father to his beloved creation is ‘come home’ and be reconciled in relationship with him. Make the most of Christmas this year by inviting people ‘home’ into a life-giving relationship with Jesus.

While watching the video, seek the Holy Spirit on who you could share it with to help you in your conversations about Jesus. 'Welcome Home' is a beautiful animation with a prodigal son undertone. A young girl takes a journey home unsure of the reception she will receive. In Jesus like fashion, the overwhelming example of love is exemplified by her father. A beautiful picture of Jesus' heart for us all.