While living in Hungary, we expatriates often spoke of family traditions "back home". Each person had a story to tell about Christmases past -- a song, certain decorations, favorite foods, special people. No matter how much we loved Hungary, home seemed to be the place we longed for at Christmas.

Did Jesus experience the same? He was away from home for 33 years. His first Christmas was less than auspicious -- spent in a small village without adequate accommodations. During His days on earth He certainly must have often longed to be home with his Father. But Jesus could not go back until He had finished telling the world that true home was not on this planet but with God, His Father. He knew He had to stay to "pave the way" for us on the cross.

He told us that when He did go home he would prepare the rooms in the house for us. "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2 NIV)

This Christmas as we sing carols, enjoy food and the company of those we love, let us remind ourselves that our true home is not here. May we yearn to be home for the holidays with the King, our Father.