Home for Christmas

Most folks have heard of the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” unless they’ve lived under a rock. The song was release in the early 40’s when our country was in the midst of WWII. It struck a chord then, as it has through the years with anyone longing to be home for the holidays, “if only in my dreams.” It’s been recorded by ‘forty-eleven’ artists & is still popular.

I’ve been blessed to be able to be with my family most every holiday. My mother had a particularly difficult childhood, as her mother left the family when Mom was a young girl. It forced Mom to help raise her little sister & take care of the household. Needless to say, family is now VERY important to my mother & she wants her chicks around the roost on these special days. So, we bust our cans in getting home to be with family!

I only remember one Christmas when I had to be away any. Christmas day fell on Sunday & I had to lead in service that morning. I spent most of that holiday on the road, but still got to be with my family. It really reminded me of the FIRST ‘Christmas.’ You know, where Mary had baby Jesus!

As you remember the account, they were away from their family at a most inopportune time. Mary was about to deliver the Christ Child. Of course, it was no accident. Over 300 prophecies came into play as God fulfilled each one of these.

“Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a Child. While they were there, the time came for the Baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7 NIV

Space won’t permit, but trust me that all prophecies HAD to be fulfilled for truth to play out, as the Truth was born into our world. Still, you have to think of the human side of the story. Put yourself in this family’s shoes (or sandals as it were). The Savior of the world was born in a cattle trough because no one had room or place for this little family. The most exciting news of all creation came & no one had a clue or a care.

Heaven wouldn’t stand for that. All Heaven broke loose. The angelic hosts went to a band of shepherds there in Bethlehem Ephrata. (That’s where they raised the lambs for sacrifice. No accident there.) The lowest members of society there got to see the King first. Later wise men from the east would make the trek to pay homage, as again the heavens led the way in the star. The news went full circle from the lowest to the elite. All men must know the Light of heaven.

Where am I going with all this? Well, the Creator of time stepped out of Heaven into a tiny Babe. He left His home to come to ours. In turn, through Him, we can go to His home for eternity! That’s what Christmas is all about: God making a way for us to truly have a home.

This past year I’ve shared with several families in the home-going of loved ones. Please remember those around you who may not have all their family here at Christmas. Pray for, encourage & make room for those who have no place this Christmas.

One of our own, Otillia was in an accident the other day. Her neck was fractured & she is now in the hospital. Thankfully, there is no paralysis at this point. Pray for God’s direction as she sees a neurosurgeon & a speedy recovery to be home with her family. While separated from family a bit now, thankfully she is here to share with them!

I’ll take some down time with my family over the holidays, but rest assured I’ll have you in thoughts & prayers. My practice is to lift you up as God brings you to mind. If you want an eternal ‘home for Christmas’ drop me a line, call or email.

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org

Cell 870-217-9376