Dec 17, 2010Read: Matthew 2

"They went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was." --Matthew 2:9

Next week, like many of you, we'll finally arrive at the home of family and friends to celebrate Christmas. Do you have "going home" traditions? We do too. One tradition my parents actually started during my college years was hanging a "Welcome Home, Jimmy!" sign at the house. When I got married, they simply added "& Loretta", and we've seen that banner for 15 years now. And no matter how quick our trip might be, that sign is waiting. It's seen its share of attics, but it brings Mom and Dad a lot of joy to bring it out of storage. That banner symbolizes that their children are almost home.

Beyond a doubt right now, celebration plans are almost ready in homes such as yours and of those you love. All the decorations are being hung, everyone's favorite dishes are being prepared and front room curtains will soon be impatiently pulled back to see if "they're here yet."

You know, I've often wondered if the star in the east was as much God's way to honor His son, as it was our way to find Him. Even though Jesus' time on earth was short, God knew how He'd be rejected, and of the cross that awaited him. So perhaps it was God's way to say, "I love you, Son" and in doing so said to us, "Here He is".

He loves us that much. And if we look forward to seeing our loved ones, how much more does He? Because you see, someday God will send for us. And who knows, maybe after spreading the table for the great celebration and hanging the welcome-home banner across the door, angels will pull back the curtain, peeking to see... if we're there yet.

JP

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