I am consistently amazed by the minds of young children :: the questions that arise from their understanding of whatever is being presented causes me to think, to reflect. I’m not only referring to my little ones, but also the many children I’ve had the privilege of teaching through the years. Truly a sight to behold.
Today in the midst of baking gingerbread cookies, pondering the Nativity story…a few of these questions stirred my soul.
“Mom, do you think Jesus missed heaven while he was here on earth?”
“Do you think he was really excited to go back after 33 years of being gone?”
Hands stop the mixer from stirring as this soul feels just as jumbled as the dough…
Oh, my.
I understand the feeling of longing for home, of being away from the place that represents comfort, peace, familiarity. Of wanting so much to return to the place where I belong. Home is dear to me; and while I enjoy travel and seeing new sites…home is often on my mind even then.
But that is not the story of our Christ. He wasn’t just here to visit and take in new surroundings, to collect snapshots. This was a mission He had been waiting to fulfill, one that involved much suffering, much pain. When all was complete, was He ready & excited for the journey home?
I answer my little one with a yes.
Yes…..I’m thinking he was ready to be home; and what a gift that He came.
