For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
 

Long before the season begins, the stores begin to bring out Christmas decorations. Then, right around Thanksgiving, you see homes begin to start dressing up the windows and lawns. Then, one magical moment, you walk in the local mall, and the seasonal music is playing. This begins to stir emotions in you, regardless of your age. The Christmas season is _in the blood_, and it's hard to remove it. You may no longer feel like shopping until you drop, but those songs such as 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'I'll Be Home For Christmas', make you long for the day to quickly get here, with visions of snow, decorations on the tree, and food piled high on the plate!

This week, I was touched by something in a newsletter that I receive periodically from a family on the web. The lady writing noted in her newsletter, that she could 'no longer go home', considering her father had passed away since last Christmas. I think it kind of hit home when . . .

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
 

Long before the season begins, the stores begin to bring out Christmas decorations. Then, right around Thanksgiving, you see homes begin to start dressing up the windows and lawns. Then, one magical moment, you walk in the local mall, and the seasonal music is playing. This begins to stir emotions in you, regardless of your age. The Christmas season is _in the blood_, and it's hard to remove it. You may no longer feel like shopping until you drop, but those songs such as 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'I'll Be Home For Christmas', make you long for the day to quickly get here, with visions of snow, decorations on the tree, and food piled high on the plate!

This week, I was touched by something in a newsletter that I receive periodically from a family on the web. The lady writing noted in her newsletter, that she could 'no longer go home', considering her father had passed away since last Christmas. I think it kind of hit home when her daughter made the statement that grandpa had passed away, making it impossible to 'go back home'. After the tears, and thoughts pondering on her 'being an orphan', she said she remembered a song called My Home Is God which she used to sing. After reflecting on that thought and scripture, she said: "I truthfully say that "I'll be Home for Christmas" because the everlasting God is my dwelling place - my home!". What a wonderful thought! I had never really thought along those lines, that, even though your parents may be gone, and the old homestead my no longer be there for you to visit, you need not worry. God is your dwelling place, and you are 'always home', when you are his child!

Will you truly BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS? Or are you searching for an everlasting home? If so, let you searching stop, for GOD is the one in whom you can depend, the one whose house can be your dwelling place. You need only give place in your life for the grace by faith He provided through his Son, Christ Jesus, over 2000 years ago. Give Him place in your heart and life, so you can truly say you will 'be home for Christmas' this year and years to come.

Psalms 90:1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Heavenly Father, you are my dwelling place. But, there are many who don't have a home this year for Christmas. I ask that you invite them into yours, a home everlasting for the faithful. We give you honor, thanks, and praise. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Copyright 2004 by Barbara Sanders, Empire, AL. Used by permission.
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