Home for the Holidays: Finding Peace in Christ

How are your holidays so far?

My friend Rodney from Spartanburg complimented my singing, suggesting I should sing online 24/7. In the spirit of the holiday season, I thought I'd serenade you once more with a classic:

“Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays

'Cause no matter how far away you roam

When you pine for the sunshine of a friendly gaze

For the holidays, you can't beat home sweet home.” - Perry Como (1952)

Check out our Youtube page for the live version if you dare endanger your ears.

So true, there is no place like home. The feeling of home, the comfort, and the warmth it brings, especially during the Holidays, are unparalleled.

When Home Doesn't Feel Like Home

But what if you are not home, or can’t get home, or what if you don’t feel safe at home? What if home doesn’t feel like Home should?

We are in the second week of our series called Christmas Playlist, exploring the Christmas story through the lens of popular Christmas songs. If you missed last week, catch up on our Youtube channel or visit our brand-new website.

The Christmas Story: A Surprising Announcement

Luke 1:26-33 (NLT) narrates the angel Gabriel's surprising announcement to Mary. Imagine receiving news like this:

"Hey Mary, you are not married yet, you're a virgin, but you are going to be pregnant. Oh, and by the way, it's going to be God’s son, and he is going to be the Messiah and reign on David's throne forever. No biggy. No pressure."

Life is unpredictable, often taking us off guard. But the angel's words to Mary resonate with a promise of peace that surpasses understanding.

The Concept of Home and Peace

When I think of home, I think of peace. Home is not just a physical place; it's also an internal sense of belonging. As Jenny Kim beautifully puts it, "Home isn’t just what surrounds us, it’s what’s within us."

Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) echoes this sentiment: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." The promise of peace extends beyond our circumstances.

Peace Beyond Understanding

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) reinforces the idea: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand."

Just like Mary, who was initially scared and disturbed, have you ever had your life disrupted? Jesus says to us, "Peace." And when Jesus says peace, Jesus brings peace.

The Church: A Home for Believers

God gives us the church as a community to experience the feeling of home. Philippians 4:17-19 (NLT) emphasizes the importance of taking care of each other. In times of disruption and fear, Jesus offers a place of restfulness.

Anticipating Our Eternal Home

Revelation 21:1-4 paints a picture of the ultimate homecoming: a new heaven and a new earth, where God's home is among his people, wiping away every tear and abolishing sorrow and pain forever.

Finding Home for the Holidays in Christ

This has been God’s plan all along: to give us a home with Him. Even in the Old Testament, He said, "Make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." God wants you to come home, find rest in Him, and experience the joys of Christmas.

If you want to feel at home and find that peace that Jesus brings, it may be time to open your Bible, spend more time in prayer, or reach out to our community. Let's make this holiday season truly feel like home.