After a year when so many lost their homes through war or natural disaster, I was especially grateful to decorate the place we’ve called home for almost 10 years and to share it with friends and family. This is where we live and this is home.
Yet another home comes to mind this time of year. The big white house on the hill where I grew up in Tennessee was still there until a couple of years ago. Although the house has been demolished and the surrounding land sold, I can still visit there in my heart and mind any time I want.
I close my eyes and I’m pulling my car up the long driveway and parking between the screened-in side porch and the dogwood tree. As I get out of the car I see my mom looking out the kitchen window where she’s been watching for me. By the time I get to the door she’s rushing to it from the other side, clapping her hands, smiling with her whole face, and calling out, “Nancy’s home! Nancy’s home!”
For most of us, even in the best of times, the Christmas season brings tears. Tears of sadness, tears of joy, maybe tears of gratitude for all we have or all we’ve loved and lost. Each year I tear up the first time I hear Amy Grant’s “Tender Tennessee Christmas.” She sings, I know there’s more snow out in Colorado than my roof will ever see, but a tender Tennessee Christmas is the only Christmas for me.The song connects two states that have been home to me. As a T-shirt I have reads, “I’m just a Tennessee girl in a Colorado world.”
At times, often after I’ve visited Tennessee, I begin feeling that rather than having two homes I don’t have any place to really call home—that geographically speaking I no longer belong here or there.
That’s when the Lord gently reminds me that it’s normal to feel this way, because we won’t truly be home until we are with Him for eternity.
The joys of this past year were many, but we also experienced some devastating losses and far too many memorial services. As we reflect on those who are no longer here experiencing Christmas with their families, we take comfort in knowing that because they were followers of Jesus Christ they are “home for Christmas” in the truest sense.
And until we join them, we’ll continue to be grateful for, and blessed by, our earthly homes present and past.
May you be blessed to be home for Christmas this year, and if you don’t know where your true home is, turn your eyes upon the Babe in the manger and the grace and truth He still brings to the world. Merry Christmas!
Amen. So true and touching. Thank you for your powerful reflection Nancy.
You’re so welcome! Happy New Year!
Nancy, this is lovely and of course wonderfully true! It really touched my heart! I have been listening to Amy Grant Christmas music for weeks. Wishing you a lovely Christmas. Linn
You too, Linn. Let’s keep celebrating right through to the new year!
Nancy this is so true in my life as I reflect from Alabama to my Mississippi home. Tears are good for the soul, but we know the most perfect home awaits us! What a beautiful momma you had and will see Nancy coming again one day! What a beautiful reflection! 😘
Thank you, Kay, and I’m so glad you got to meet our mom. At least your two states are pretty close together! All the best to you and yours in the new year.
Nancy,
You’ll always have a home in Tennessee. The heartwarming memories will always be there, even if only in your heart. I loved the post. Sending hugs and best wishes for a blessed start to the New Year. Joe
Thank you, Joe, and the same to you and Helen. You’re both a part of what makes Knoxville home to me.
We are driving home to our home on Lake Lydia in Quitman , TX after spending Christmas with Blake and family. Next year we will need to be with Diana and family. Here in Texas it is raining a lot. I’ll be glad when we reach our doorstep. Rain fails to bring the beauty of snow. Which is lovely, graceful and romantic. May you all have a joyful new year ahead. God bless!
Glad you had a good visit, Cheryl, and you’re blessed the girls want you to come. All the best to you both in the new year.
Your words are the perfect touch, Nancy.
We’re not home, yet. But in the meantime, you said it effectively, just “turn our eyes upon the Babe . . .” Hug your fine husband for me.
Thanks, Rolle. Our best to you and Carol in the new year!
How heart-wrenchingly true. You paint a poignant picture of a welcome home from your waiting mom. And how i love the picture of Jesus awaiting us with joy and open arms.Glorious! After 21 moves in my lifetime, I will be ready for the final destination when i get the call. Happy New Year!
As happy as I would be for you I would sure be sad to be left behind without you so no hurry, okay? Love and hugs for the new year.
Thank you, dear friend.. I feel a fresh surge of life for the first time in two years!
Beautiful, Nancy. Bless you for blessing us with your nostalgic and inspiring message.
Thank you, Beth. Hugs to you and your “girls” in the New Year!