Heaven Is The Face

Today is winter solstice here in my part of the world: the shortest day of the year, more darkness on this day than on any other. A lot of folks complain about winter, but I love it. I love the long dark evenings when homes glow with light from within and you have to bundle up in thick coats to go outside. I love the steam that comes up from my coffee or tea or cocoa and I love the expectation of holidays and food enjoyed with healthy doses of laughter with my friends.

As a little boy (well, even now...) I remember being filled with the wonder and mystery and expectation that this time of year brought with it - knowing something wonderful and beautiful was happening around me and that it was a whole lot bigger than I was. I remember feeling like I might burst if I took it all in at once.

For children, Christmas is a season of great expecation. I find that same feeling rising up in me when I think about the day I'll enter heaven. Think about it - it's almost too good to be true, yet, like Christmas morning, it will happen. Imagine children coming down the stairs and seeing a tree and lights and gifts and smelling warm aromas and thinking, "this is the best day of the year!"

Christmas used to make my heart ache and yearn. Now heaven captures me in the same way. I want it to come so badly. I wish it would get here soon. I know that everything I've ever wanted is there. Maranatha!

Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Heaven Is the Face" (kleenex advisory in effect):