It's early morning as I type, dark and freezing outside. I happen to be awake and almost through my first cup of coffee, sitting by the fire while my husband and kids sleep upstairs. I can hear someone snoring, actually. It's cozy. We are all together under one roof and that's just the way I like it. Soon we'll all be moving and off to work or school, and I'll be counting the hours until we're gathered again. Home is my favourite, and family has my heart.
I think the same way about church, the family of God, and wonder sometimes how God feels about His children gathered. It's got to bring him such joy as his sons and daughters come home. We sense it when we're together, a glimpse of heaven. And I feel His longing for those who are far from Him... Those who don't yet know, those who are questioning or hurt or disconnected.
I've been a little bit obsessed with Isaiah 60 recently. It tells of a huge homecoming, a family gathering that God has in the works. Isaiah paints the most gorgeous picture and as I read it, I SEE it.
Isaiah 60:1-5
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
As the world is increasingly darker, the glory of our Jesus is bright. He is hard to ignore, the light of the world that leads us home. We know hope, we have a future, and we belong. While fear seems to blanket the earth, it isn't our reality. We're building a home and a gathering place for the family that isn't here yet... but they're so loved already. And what a homecoming God has planned!
ANGELA DOELL
Executive Pastor
