If you’re like us, you’ve probably been playing holiday music at home since the Friday after Thanksgiving. One of our favorites is the classic, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” first recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943. That was right in the middle of World War II, and the song is from the point of view of a soldier writing a letter home listing all the things he loves about Christmas — snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree. “I’ll be home for Christmas,” he sings — and then there’s the amazing line, “if only in my dreams.” It catches our breath every time we hear it. He wants nothing more than to be home with his family and loved ones, but he can’t, not right now anyhow. There’s something he has to do first — fight for our freedom, our joy and our hope — and it’s really important or else he’d be at home.

It reminds us that it’s a great blessing to be home for Christmas surrounded by our sons and daughters, parents and siblings, grandchildren, and maybe great grandchildren. We come from all over to be with each other, filling airports and highways just to get home.

Even traveling and the idea of home has a special resonance at Christmastime. The story of the first Christmas is about a man and a woman who must leave their home to protect the child the woman is going to bear. The birth has been foretold and great powers fear the child’s arrival, because he will shatter the existing order and bring hope and joy to the world as proof of God’s love.

Others who have heard reports of his birth travel from the east traversing great distances to see the child and celebrate the good news he brings. The travelers find the family in a stable surrounded by humble shepherds and behold the infant, God’s only son sent to redeem us through His love.

America’s Future wishes you a Merry Christmas, surrounded by family and friends and all those who bring you joy and hope.