Welcome Home
My son lives in Texas, and he came home for a visit this past weekend. Oh, the joy in a mother’s heart. I began to get things ready for his arrival: cooking his favorite foods, making his favorite cookies, tying up some special books with ribbon, and writing a note that says; “Welcome home Micah, love Mom.” The anticipation mounts, and joy floods my soul. He called a few nights before and said; “Don’t start the party without me”, and I informed him; “You are the party!”
When I hung up the phone, I started thinking about what it will be like when
Jesus welcomes us, His children, home to be with Him in heaven: the spiritual
party of spending eternity with our Heavenly Father; to be forgiven and
welcomed home. He is preparing that place for us. John 14:23 says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am there you may also be.”
Oh, to see Jesus face to face – like anticipating our earthly children coming home and being face to face with us. “For now we see through a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know even as also I am known” (1 Corinthians13:12). Oh, the glorious thought of seeing Jesus face to face.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself as He is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3) Just think, when we go home we won’t need special stuff prepared for us, because we will have Christ face to face, and that will be enough. I am reminded of a song from long ago: “Welcome Home Children”.
A great day is coming, Heaven’s gates will open wide,
And all who love The Lord will enter in.
To join with their loved ones who in Jesus Christ have died,
Their eternal life in heaven will begin.
And The Lord Himself will greet us; Oh what joy will fill that day,
When with the voice of the loving Father,
He’ll look at us and say;
Welcome home children. This is the place I’ve prepared for you.
Welcome home children, now that all your work on earth is through. Welcome home children, you who have fought on so faithfully.
Welcome home children. Welcome home children.
Here where I am you shall always be; forever rejoicing with Me!
– Adrian “Buddy” King Alex Desilets –
I write and anticipate my son’s arrival. When he walked in the door, I said,
“Welcome home!” And one day my Savior will utter this to me in eternity –
“Welcome home!” And there I will stay!
Pam Cavanaugh, Vision4Living
Love this, Mrs Cavanugh!! And yes, Micah IS the party… But, he only learned from the very best!
Hi Mrs. Cavanaugh! We met at P4C last fall. I love this post! It reminded me of the summer I spent in Kentucky working at a children’s home. I had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. However, as time moved along & my return home neared, I began to really look forward to that day. As I was working one day, someone had a video playing of the Gaither Vocal Band singing a song called “Home”. (you can look it up on youtube) As the song progressed, I started crying. It so captured exactly how I was feeling – and then related it to our final home-going. I’d never experienced such a longing for heaven as I did at that moment – I could relate so closely because of my present circumstance. What a day it will be!
I enjoyed reading this, Pam.
Yep, it’s going to be quite a celebration.
Love,
Rhonda
Dear Pam Cavanaugh Vision4Living, thank you for posting this. I have the sheet music to Welcome Home Children up high in a box but quickly wanted the lyrics and writer’s name. I think it is one of the most joyous and loving songs for a Goodbye/Welcome transition. Your post helped me find what I needed quickly.