The popular song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” shows just how much we associate the holidays with the comforts of home. Even if we can’t be home this Christmas or “home” will be much different for us, we probably recall times of anticipation from the past—of stringing lights, wrapping presents, decorating the tree, and gathering around the table. But have you ever thought about how Advent is also a time to anticipate how wonderful it will be to gather in God’s eternal home?
Much of what we see and hear during the Advent season focuses on preparing our homes and preparing for our eternal home. Why? Because just as we look forward to Jesus’ coming at Christmas, so the Church invites us to reflect on the day when the Lord will come again in glory and welcome us into heaven. So much in Advent stirs this longing.
Like any good host, Jesus is always eager to welcome His guests and feed them (see Matthew 15,29-37). Meanwhile, Isaiah (chapter 25) envisions a great feast “for all peoples.” Everything we could possibly desire—Isaiah uses the image of “rich food and choice wines” (25,6)—will be ours because we will be face-to-face with what we have always desired the most, God Himself. On that day, all the guests will gather as one family around the table because God will have removed the “web that is woven over all nations.” Just imagine—all the strife, conflict, and arguments that we witness today, even in our own families, will no longer exist. There will be great rejoicing in heaven. God will “wipe away the tears from all faces” and “destroy death forever.” The disappointments, losses, and pain we have experienced during our lives on earth—all will be healed. Reunited with our loved ones, we will never have to fear being separated from them again.
Who wouldn’t want to be welcomed into this kind of home? This is what awaits us as we prepare to live in the house of Christ, our Lord. So, let us rejoice this Advent, as we prepare our homes for Christmas. And let us remember that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is preparing a place in His home for us!
Copies of The Word Among Us are available in the new “treasure box” near the parish office entrance. Part of today’s reflection is from the December issue. To subscribe for home delivery: https://wau.org/
