We probably have all heard Bing Crosby sing about going home for Christmas, and while it seems to invoke a feeling of continuity and stability, there may be some things that we would rather not remember.
I recall the year my boyfriend and I decided that we would not exchange gifts as he did not have any extra money. Although, I may have agreed to it at the time, on Christmas he had gifts from me. It was just not an agreement that I could keep. After all, the season is all about gift giving, even when a gift is not reciprocated. Then there was the one when I was ten and I found some of my gifts just days before the big day, which I am sure I had been searching the house to find. When I saw my stuffed giraffe standing near the tree Christmas morning I was thrilled, until I saw that my little sister was captivated by it, too. I regret to say that I was not sympathetic, and immediately took it from her. Such are the memories that we have, even the ones we would like to see as playing out differently, they are what we are actually left remembering. Many of my dearest memories of home are those last Christmas celebrations before my parents passed on. They are very special to me and why every Christmas I go home once again.
Yesterday, I sat with a very dear friend and we shared stories of our past celebrations. What I realized was that although I may not be getting on a plane to go home for the holidays that does not stop me from going home. I go home when I think of my children getting dressed for Christmas Eve and wearing boiled wool jackets that I insisted were amazing, even though they said they were itchy. I go home when I think of my sister and I lying beneath our Christmas tree and listening to Perry Como on my parents stereo. I go home, taking a friend, when I share even a small one of my memories. My recommendation is that you go home for Christmas and be sure to take someone you love home with you. I do believe that you will both be blessed.
Isaiah 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Matthew 7:25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.