Coming Home For Christmas

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

While my kids were away at college, one of my favorite things about Christmas was when they arrived home.

I missed them so much.

Before they had cell phones, we had to call their dorm phones. While they were in class I would leave them messages filled with all their favorite Christmas songs. I’d put the receiver next to my CD player and record “I’ll be home for Christmas” on their answering machine.

I will never forget the first year my youngest came back home. We were all so excited as we waited at the airport. It was snowing outside and Christmas was just waiting for her back in our small hometown. Just like a scene from Its A Wonderful Life.

As we watched the terminal at the airport, I finally spotted her.
When she saw me she didn’t say a word.

She just hugged me and cried.

She cried and cried and wouldn’t let go.
(If you knew my youngest, you would know that’s not like her at all.) She didn’t care who was watching or where she was, she just knew that in my arms she was home.

In that moment I didn’t think twice about holding her and comforting her. I was so happy she was in my arms. I didn’t think about all the good things she had done as a daughter, and I didn’t have a checklist of all the bad things.

She is my daughter and I love her unconditionally.

You are God’s daughter.

God isn’t keeping a checklist of every good thing you’ve done and every bad thing you’ve done, and then deciding how much He will love you based on that list.

God’s love is unconditional.

God’s love is Christmas.
Wrapped up in a manger.
That gift was all for you.

God’s love is Jesus.

He is leaving you messages of hope and love, mercy and grace. Forgiveness.

Just listen.
They are the sounds of Christmas.

Don’t worry about where you are.
Don’t worry about who is watching.
You don’t have to say a word.
He hears your heart.

He misses you.

It doesn’t matter what you have done~
His arms are open and waiting.
Fall into them dear daughter.
Fall into them and cry.
Fall into them and laugh.

Fall into that love and live.

Once you do, you will realize that the peace and comfort He gives is home. Home in His arms.
A home that will always be there for you.

Christmas is in your Father’s arms.
Come home this Christmas.