When I was nineteen, my dad and I had one of our epic arguments on December 22nd. I was a rebellious partier at the time; I left home in a huff and spent the next three days drinking and smoking weed. I slept three nights in frigid temperatures and ended up being sick on Christmas day. The day after Christmas, with no other alternative, obviously sick and without any money, I drove three hours home, dreading the whole drive having to humble myself and seek refuge from the man with whom I was at odds.
When I got home, I walked in the door to the most pleasant surprise. My mother was so glad to see me that she wrapped me up in a hug. My dad wasn’t a hugger or very expressive of his feelings, but his facial expression was relief that I’d returned home.
Christmas was over. It was the 26th. But my mom pointed me to the place where all my gifts still lay; the gifts had been there waiting for me since Christmas morning.
I had a fever, an achy body with chills and an uncontrollable cough, but suddenly I felt a joy that superseded my sickness.
What a wonderful surprise! What a welcome for a prodigal returned!
I’m still ashamed of my behavior that Christmas, but that was a microcosmic example of what Christmas is.
Humankind had rebelled against God; we left Him to satisfy our own lustful desires. We found ourselves unable to thrive without Him, so He provided a solution for us. That solution was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.
A newlywed couple from Nazareth, shepherds near the town of David, and wise men from the East were all exuberant at their learning of the Christ child.
God still offers joyful surprises to those who will accept His invitation to believe in the One He sent to establish Christmas.
Won’t you accept the invitation? Sick and disappointed with life though you may be, won’t you come Home for Christmas?
