Day 1 — I’ll Be Home for Christmas

More than any other time of year, Christmas always turns hearts toward home. That was the emotion behind the song written in 1943 by James “Kim” Gannon and Walter Kent. Knowing our military was bravely fighting for freedom and dreaming of being home for Christmas, they penned these familiar lyrics: 

I'll be home for Christmas. You can count 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. 

Today, people around the world, including our brave service members, still dream of being home for Christmas. And that dream inspired this moving tribute to our military around the world. 

Above all, nothing feels more like home than when Jesus makes His home in our hearts. At Christmastime, we are reminded of the Source of the warmth and comfort that comes from His mercy, compassion and unfailing love. No matter what is going on in the world or in your personal life, come home for Christmas. Come home to His love.

As you do, remember those who are away from their earthly homes—our military men and women. Take time to reach out to them with the love that is the true source of home, the love of Jesus. 

Here are some practical ways to bring our military “home” for Christmas in their hearts:

1. Pray For Our Military 

Your prayers for our military members serving at home and abroad mean more than you know. Pray for Psalm 91 protection, courage, supernatural strength, favor and victory. Pray for their families and relationships to remain strong.

2. Give Toward the Needs of Our Soldiers 

There are many ways you can bless soldiers this Christmas by meeting their tangible needs.     

• Send a card or care package through one of several organizations that facilitate this.     
• Bless a member of our military with a gift card that will help meet his or her needs this Christmas.     
• If you know a military family, consider purchasing Christmas gifts for their children.     
• If you see a member of the military in a restaurant—never let them pay for their own meal!

3. Stand With Their Families

If you know a family at church or at your child’s school, there are many ways you can offer to help. Some ideas include:    

• Stop by with a meal.    
• Offer to take the kids to the zoo.    
• Lend a helping hand with household repairs or yardwork.    
• Take them out to lunch or dinner.

As you bring “home” to our military members, be sure to share the place where they can really find a home in their hearts—with Jesus Christ. He is the center of Christmas and the home we can always count on, no matter what we face in this world!