There comes a time when one leaves home. They hear another song, and they follow that melody...for a time. And then, in a slight crescendo, their ears go up at the sound of a familiar tune; and they return home, even if only for a time.

It has been a year since I have driven down a familiar street in Michigan; who would have thought it would take 52 weeks to travel 520 miles.

I am really looking forward to seeing friends and family this Christmas. Many stories to be shared, photos to be explained, card games to be fought, and coffee to be had.

Of course, there will be gifts, bot only for a time. The real treasure is found in the company of people coming together again, if only for a time.

And you know, isn't that the message of Christmas? And the Church?

Jesus came for such a time as this, but this time will come to an end; and we shall see clearer when we live once again with our Creator dwelling among us.

We come together, and we leave again. But one day...one day, we will come together and we will never have to leave...joined in the eternal community of saints living in the greatest Kingdom of all time and space.

And that's awesome & wonderful and altogether amazing.