Whenever I return home from a work or mission trip, my family makes little “Welcome Back” signs, which are hung on the gates, doors, walls, and pretty much all over the house. It’s always a great feeling and it’s amazing how quickly the exhaustion of the trip fades away and my heart is drawn into the cozy glow of home. Yes, I’m home again.
I wonder how Jesus felt, heading out the door of heaven to a tough and trouble-filled world, not to return for many years. On the night the angels sang, Jesus’ journey was just beginning. Much, much more living lay ahead—joys and tears, friends and traitors. He was a traveler far from His heavenly home, a stranger in the world. I believe He felt weary at times, just like I do. I imagine facing rejection when He spoke the truth was as painful for Him as it is for anyone else. And I know that He longed for His home and Father. But He kept on.
Now we know how the Christmas story progressed over those long years—the wonder, growth, learning, ministry, choices, destiny, miracles, suffering, death. We see its influence over millennia and feel the undying love that inscribed Jesus’ life on untold hearts. But the story unfolded for Jesus one day at a time, one obedience at a time, one more day away from home, until that incredible morning when He rose in glory, death’s pang fading in the glow of eternal salvation won for all who would receive Him (John 1:12).
Today, you and I are passing through this world that appears to be less welcoming of our faith with each day that passes. None of us sees the end of our story or knows our full impact yet. There are bound to be days when we feel like quitting, days of near unbearable longing for a place away from it all, a place where we belong. In those times, let’s recognize the honor it is to walk in the tradition of so many believers through the ages. (See Hebrews 11 and 12:1–3.) We aren’t travelling accidentally or aimlessly—we’ve been chosen and sent. So, let’s make the most of our time here!
We can celebrate Jesus, the One who makes our Christmas season festive! We can spread kindness and cheer as sparkling lights in a dim world. How wonderful it will be when we weary travelers are at last home and we see our Lord. In that moment, surrounded by “well done” and “welcome back,” we’ll know it was worth it all.