House or Home? 

Do you live in a house or a home?

While we often use the terms interchangeably, there is a meaningful difference between the two. One is a structure consisting of basic materials; the other is an environment created by the occupants of the structure. A house isn’t necessarily a home.

A home is far more than physical real estate. It’s the atmosphere purposely cultivated and maintained within walls. It established by conversation and connection with the people living there. A true home is a place of safety, refuge, security, and acceptance. A home is about relationships, not the size or architecture of buildings. A one room apartment can be more of a home than a massive mansion.

There’s a familiar Christmas song first made popular by Bing Crosby in 1943 titled “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The song describes in letter form the emotions and wishes of a World War II soldier as the Christmas season approached:

“I’ll be home for Christmas

You can plan on me

Please have snow and mistletoe

And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me

Where the love light gleams

I’ll be home for Christmas

If only in my dreams” — Kim Gannon, Walter Kent

What’s the person in this song longing for at Christmas? Not a house, but a home!

What makes a home? In one word, the answer is LOVE. Real love isn’t a feeling; it’s something we demonstrate to others through kindness, grace, forgiveness, and compassion. It’s demonstrated through listening, giving, caring, helping, embracing, and extending. When we do these things, we turn a house into a home!

Let’s make every house a home this Christmas season, and in every season of life! Remember, “Love never fails … “ —1 Corinthians 13:8.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Dale

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