When we meet people at a party or gathering, don’t we ask them questions about themselves? What do you do? Where are you from?

Where we are from is an important part of our identity. Some of us may still live in the town we were born in. Many of us probably don't, but our “hometown” still has meaning.

Jesus’ parents lived in Nazareth. At the perfect time, God orchestrated Mary’s time to give birth with the decree for everyone to register in their hometown. Why was that so important? Because it was one more prophesy pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. ”But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah...out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (Micah 5:2a,4). The chief priests and scholarly theologians of the day knew it.

Here is the important thing. You may have been born in the richest area of the world or in a backwater town. What matters even more is this — when you receive Jesus Christ into your heart, you’re now reborn, and belong to a new “hometown”. It’s the city of heaven where one day all believers will dwell because Jesus is there now preparing a place for us (John 14:3).

So the next time someone asks you where you are from, watch their expression when you tell them, “It’s more important where I’m headed.” It might lead to a very interesting conversation.

Lord, let me always remember it is not who I was but who you are making me that is important. Thank you for preparing an eternal home for me. And until you call me home, thank you for indwelling me through your Spirit to journey with me in this life. Amen.

Go Deeper — Open this list of Scripture about heaven. Scan through some of the verses and pick a few that mean the most to you. When this world gets a bit too much, reread them to keep you focused on your destination.



Tags: Nativity Matthew 2
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