“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” (John 14:1-4 MSG)
I love preparing my home for Christmas! Hanging lights, wrapping presents, and picking out a tree that is way too tall–then, my husband cutting the tree to make it fit!
Preparing our home for the holidays brings me such joy, but not just because of the decorations, or the sound of Christmas music filling the air. Our home is being prepared for the family and friends we will invite over this season. I intentionally set an atmosphere that I hope will make others feel welcomed and comfortable–like it’s their home too!
Jesus is preparing His Father’s home. I imagine Jesus with a to do list on His clipboard, detailing the decorations needed, meals to be cooked, music to be played, and more! Every detail is carefully planned out, and with joy, Jesus checks another thing off the list. In eager anticipation, He prepares His Father’s home. I imagine Jesus with even greater excitement than Buddy from “Elf!”
Why, or more importantly who is Jesus preparing His Father’s home for? You! You are the one Jesus has been joyfully preparing for!
In John 14, Jesus makes us two wonderful promises–that He is preparing a home for us, and He will come back to bring us to live with Him. This will be a home made for us, a place where we belong, where we are full of joy–this will be our home.
Going home for the holidays can bring so many different feelings: joy, stress, anticipation, or dread. Maybe you are unable to go home, or know the heartbreak of not having a loved one with you this year.
Jesus knows your circumstances full well, and while He is preparing our forever home, the Holy Spirit is with you now. Whatever you are facing in this season, He is with you to comfort you, strengthen you, fill you with joy (even if your circumstance does not), and to remind you: “this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet t0 come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)