Yearnings

I have a confession to make.  I live close to my family, and yet some nights I yearn to see them. They are grown, with children of their own.  But I would probably be in their lives every day if there was enough time. Tonight I was looking at our Christmas tree with the presents underneath.  Because our daughter lives out of state we will be flying to be with her and her wonderful family.  This makes me miss the ones that live nearby.

 As I sat, watching the lights on the tree, the Lord reminded me that He has a family. He came from heaven (Jn 6:38) and spoke to His heavenly Father while on earth. Perhaps He longed to see heaven again just like we long to see the people we love. Jesus knew He had a home to return to.

We also are the family of Jesus. He not only returned to His home, but He has a place for us to go to after this life.   Jesus made His sacrifice knowing that He would bring us into His own family.  And this becomes a longing on our part, as we yearn to be adopted into His family (Rom 8:22-23).

We think of God’s power, all-knowing and ever-present attributes. He also has a heart that loves so much, He needs a family to meet His yearning to give.  We may miss our children and their families, but God’s love is so vast that He leads us to Him in this life, and He is preparing our new home for us in eternity.  That kind of love does not want to be separated from His people. You might say that He has a lot of presents for His family, waiting under the Tree of Life.

Yearning is not a weakness, but a strength.  It comes from love . . . the kind of love that wants to prepare a home for others.  May all your longings to love be met this season, and Merry Christmas!