Breakfast at Tiffany's: ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’

This week, Breakfast at Tiffany's is by Aaron Gravett

That old song rings true for so many. It can bring joy and sorrow at the same time—especially with the part, “If only in my dreams.” For the believer in Christ, we are encouraged to place our affections and home with Jesus Christ in heaven. In essence, He is our home.  

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:13-16

Also sometimes, God places people together. Christ placed my wife Tiffany in my life; she is Jesus “with skin on.” The first time, we gave each other a hug, I remember saying, “This feels like…” and she finished the sentence, “home.” I looked at her with amazement and said, “Yes, that’s what I was going to say!”

Therefore, ultimately being with Christ is my home. He, though, has also blessed me now with a small glimpse of that home in my wife. She is my home away from home. I am the same with her.

Now, there are some that have had their life shaken to the core. Christ is their home, but they don’t have that person that helps them live in the truth of that home here - now. This may have happened because of death (being widowed), divorce, abandonment and the list could go on and on. The fact though is they don’t have the feeling of home to even sing about.

First to the one that is lonely - remember – oh, remember - Jesus Christ is your home. He has given us a special promise.

“Let your conversation (your conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 (parenthesis added)

Get that deep into your soul - He will never leave you nor forsake you. Pray often (not just for meals), read and study the word of God (do it deeply), and worship Him (pour out your heart) - this will help you be dedicated to Him and make that relationship with Him vibrant. When you do these things, you are seeking Christ and He rewards them with His presence.

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

This will bring His presence and peace to you. When life is stressful and lonely, you will be able to close your eyes, say His name, and will feel Him - you will feel…home.

Then be open to someone - family member or a friend that will reach out to you - let them into your life. It may be the person God is sending - to represent Him “with skin on.” He may be wanting you to be that for them as well.

Now to all those in Christ - be watching. This Christian life is not done in isolation, but as a body - in relationship and service with others. Therefore, we need to be watching - watching for the people who have been alone and those who have recently been forced alone by the sad situations of life. 

It starts with a handshake, a “hello,” a smile, a hug, meeting for coffee, inviting them over to dinner or taking them out to eat. Then talk with them, ask and listen, really listen to their story. Get involved in their life. Someone may say, “But, it may disrupt my way of life.” Maybe it will. In fact, I’m going to let you know that ministry and service to others will always be a disruption of your life. Think about it though - look at Christ, the disciples, Paul and all the saints in the New Testament; their lives were all disrupted. Understand that the world lives for themselves and comfort - Christians live for Jesus Christ and others. It involves a glorious disruption and it is so blessed by God. It is also rewarded by God. Don’t be inward focused, but outward focused with others.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5

In doing this, you will be in Christ and therefore you will be - no matter where you’re at or who is in your life - “Home for Christmas.” And in ministry you can help others experience Christ, the true home of our lives.