Many years ago, I volunteered at a night shelter for the homeless in Bristol. One man in particular stayed in my mind. He stood out because he was smartly dressed wearing a jacket and tie and carried a small bag of possessions. Thoughtful and articulate he explained that this was a way of life he had chosen. Unlike most in his position who would love to have a home he had given his up for a life on the road. He spent his days travelling the country from hostel to hostel and included regular visits to see his children and grandchildren.
His was an unusual story and it reminded me of something written in the Bible about Jesus the Son of God. His home was heaven, a place so perfect, holy, and glorious that it is beyond imagination or description. But he chose to leave home and give all of that up so that he could, for a time, make his home with us here on earth. Why on earth would God do such a thing? For the simple reason that he wanted to tell us how much he loved us, and he wanted to do it in person.
