PODCAST
Home For Christmas
December 6th, 2012
Isaiah 41:1-10
This time of year millions “go home” or “come home” for Christmas.
For some, home is so far away–in miles and in the distance between aching hearts
Surely, some of the Jewish pilgrims whom Isaiah was urging homeward felt that way. They had been away for some six decades. They complained that Yahweh had abandoned them. They doubted that God had the power or desire to bring them home again.
But the prophet proclaimed that Yahweh was sending Cyrus the Persian to conquer Babylon and set the Jews free. And it happened.
Yet, 500 miles of deserts and desperadoes lay between them and Jerusalem. Yahweh promised, “Do not fear, for I am with you; . . . for I am your God” (Isa. 41:10a).
And they did go home.
In terms of families, if possible, and in terms of our spiritual journey for sure, let’s all go home for Christmas this year.
Let us, as it were, kneel at the manger-crib of Bethlehem and know that we are at home where forgiveness, healing, and comfort happen in the presence of our Lord.
Author: Wesley Tracy
December 6th, 2012 at 8:40 am
Christmas is one of the two times a year that the world basically shuts down. Essential places (such as: hospitals, police, etc.) exist on skeleton staffs, in order that their employees can go “home for Christmas”.
Home is familiar ground containing family and friends. It’s usually a place where we can relax and “be ourselves.”
Christmas is also one of the main spiritual battle fronts. We see in the news places that will not allow manger scenes. Businesses use the time of year to advertise with sending “Holiday Wishes” and “sales” that encourage over-spending. We get caught up in the decorations, the cooking, the parties, the shopping, and, of course, all those presents.
Try letting “Jesus” be at home (in harmony with His surroundings) in our hearts this year).