Comfort sells. How else do you explain the Snuggie?

Whether it’s the comfort of a blanket, or warm coffee, or a fire in the fireplace, comfort is the hot commodity at Christmas.

What word brings you more comfort than any other?

I read a study a while back of psychologists who were asked to discover just that. They brought test subjects in, hooked them up to all sorts of electrodes, machines, and things that make a nice “ping” sound. They read the subjects a list of words while measuring the machines for comfort and relaxation in the subject. What words calmed people down and brought the most comfort?

“Love” was a biggie.

“In-Laws” was not.

Holy words like “church,” “God,” and “Jesus” weren’t at or near the top.

The winner?

Home.

Every time I tell that story, when I say the word “home,” people nod, and say “oh yes.” Home is the longing of every heart. We all have that sense that we need to be there, that we’re sick without it. That we just want to get back home. That’s what makes us look for fireplaces, warm coffee, and that’s why so many of us like to crawl deep into a Snuggie.

As you prepare for Christmas, and hear Nat sing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” realize this: the babe born in the manger is God bringing home to us. God being with us.

Lots of faiths ask people to take a pilgrimage, or escape the suffering of the world. There is no other God on record who brings our home to us. So look on the manger. Read the Christmas story. Find your comfort.

Your home is in Him.

Merry Christmas