Welcome home

Some of the sweetest, most loving words in the English language are, "Welcome Home."

Whether it be coming home from a trip, or coming home for the holidays, it warms our hearts to hear those words from those whom we love.

I know that the week of Christmas, Debbie and I are looking forward to seeing all of our children and grandchildren, giving them a hug and saying, "Welcome home."

As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, "There is no place like home."

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 shows us how the Father (God) welcomes those who come home to Him.

The Bible says that the father of the prodigal runs out to him, embraces him and kisses his son.  He clothes him with the best clothes and makes him the honored guest.

He throws a party, offering the best food he has and invites friends and family to the party.

And, most important of all, he doesn't ask for any excuses or explanations from the prodigal son, but only shows an immense joy that the son has come home.

That's God.

God is our Father.  God welcomes us home (if we have been away - or coming to him for the first time) without a trace of self-righteousness, recrimination or even curiosity.

The past is wiped out.

What counts is the "here and now", where all that fills our hearts is gratitude for the homecoming of our brothers and sisters.

Can I give you a suggestion?

Let's make this coming Sunday, December 15th a true homecoming by inviting non-churched family and friends to the production of, "Letters at Christmas."

There will be an "altar call" given at the end - an opportunity for people to accept Christ.

Truly this Sunday can be one of the greatest homecoming ever seen at Stone Church!

Just a thought for a Thursday.