No Place Like Home

The Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day are now behind us! As much as we look forward to the Feast, isn’t it nice to be home? Our thoughts echo the words of Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz: “There's no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” I believe most of us share that sentiment. We all have a heartfelt preference for the place we call home. Home represents safety, love and belonging—a refuge in a chaotic world.

I know I’m glad to be back, even amid the ongoing major challenges that surround us: war, elections, social issues, corruption and more. These realities remind us that, in truth, we are not truly home. As pilgrims in this world, we are called to recognize our temporary status. Hebrews 11:13 states: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Just as the faithful of the past looked forward to a city “whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10), we too must keep our eyes on our eternal home, in His Kingdom.

Even though the annual Holy Days are completed for another year, we must continue to prepare as “members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19-20). This preparation is a continual journey of spiritual growth. Now is the time to draw on the motivation from the Feast to deepen our relationship with God and grow spiritually as we put on the character of Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11-14).

The apostle Peter also reminds us: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). As members of His spiritual household, we look forward to that permanent home in the family of God—a wonderful place unscarred by contention and disease.

As we anticipate that home, keeping our focus on the future, we must renew our dedication to prepare now and live a truly godly life today! This requires us to be vigilant and proactive. “Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13, New English Translation).

Let us press on as we earnestly seek that homeland that Christ will bring to this earth (Hebrews 11:14). With each step we take in faith, we draw closer to the eternal home that awaits us in the Kingdom of God.

There truly is “no place like home.”

Steve Myers—Operation Manager, Ministerial and Member Services

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Winter Family Weekend Registration

The Cincinnati, Ohio, Winter Family Weekend is coming soon! Opening night is Tuesday, Dec. 24, with events running through Saturday evening, Dec. 28.

It’s IMPERATIVE to check wfw.ucg.org frequently for updates and important instructions. This year, registration will occur in three phases, with Phase One opening this Sunday, Nov. 3.

Please visit the website for specific registration details and to find out in which phase you should register. You’ll also find information about the hotel and eligible booking dates there.