This past week I had the privilege of preaching at Shiloh Advent Christian Church’s homecoming service. Shiloh AC Church is located in Monroe, N.C. and Rev. Travis Hutcheson is their pastor. It is always a privilege to preach or teach – that is one thing I greatly miss in my role as Executive Director.

On Saturday, as I was driving to Charlotte, I called my mother in Birmingham, Alabama to check in and let her know what I was up to. When I told her about homecoming, one of her responses was, “That will be some good food for lunch.” Of course, she was right as we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and wonderful food after the morning service. Homecoming brings up many different memories from my past, not only growing up at church in Savannah, Georgia, but also serving as a pastor. Every church has unique components to their celebrations, from reading the church covenant to having a memorial service for those who had died through the last year. All of these tend to center on remembering our past and celebrating those who have touched our lives.

As I shared in my sermon, when I celebrate homecoming, I look back but I also look forward to a great homecoming day, when Christ calls his church home. That is going to be an awesome day when we gather together to enter our eternal home. It will be exciting to see my family, friends and the great men and women of the faith. As I think of that day, I wonder about my reaction when I see Jesus. I shared the words of the song, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me in my conclusion, leaving people with the picture of our great reunion day! I will share just the chorus here:

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine