People always ask: “Are you ready for Christmas” – ??? – Well, is it best to answer them with my fumbling list of people’s presents not yet purchased let alone conceived? – or say “Well,  at least I got my tree! No decorations but at least I am still watering it. “…. HMMM… I think I will try to answer spiritually next time,  “I’m ready in my heart. “… I’m ready for the true meaning of Christmas in my heart. Amen on that. 

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” – “you can count on me. ” – Oh the song resonates with me and the longing too. But I realized one could sing it in reverse thought – to receive people home for Christmas, like “I’ll be the Home for your Christmas, come Home here.”… Yes, please have all the meaningful Christmas token things here with me at my house… And yes, since my daughter (I hope) will be returning from college (I hope) at least on that overnight and day, to be here (I hope and pray), instead of her independent-apartment-grown-up-lifestyle these days, I’m praying that she comes home for Christmas. I’m blessed she’s independent but I want her to know, both my kids to know, they have a Home with me for Christmas and ALWAYS.  SO, “I’ll be home for Christmas” – “you can count on me” – count on Mom, I will pray they know that, I’m sure they do.

And what about that real meaning of Christmas? Are we standing yearning like Charlie Brown: “Isn’t there anyone who understands what Christmas is all about?” Remember the classic pause in the Peanuts Christmas practice musical for Linus to recite the scripture from Luke 2:8-14, and let us absorb that and keep walking towards that real reason, Jesus IS the One Who beckons us: I’ll be your HOME for Christmas, I will receive you, let Me be your Home inside your heart. Know Me inside you and know My Peace.

Through Jesus, as Christ the Lord God and Savior, we are welcomed Home forever with God. May we also be Home with Him in our hearts everyday. Making a good welcome for Him in JOY.

Amen

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Linus Van Pelt quoting scripture: “And there were in the same country. shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of GREAT JOY, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE. For unto you is born this day in the City of David A SAVIOR, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, Goodwill toward men.’ “

(Photos from an adorable 2 inch book version of Peanuts Christmas.)