We had our first fire of the season in the fireplace last night.

I love a fire. There are few things more delicious to me than curling up in front of the glow of the blaze, snuggling into the sofa, and under my Snuggie (don’t hate). It’s the warmth when it comes down to it; that perfect not-too-hot, not-too-cold feeling that relaxes you like little else can. I also love the smell of it. And the sound. The pops and cracks seem to call to me, the fragrance beckoning me to come and warm my hands and heart.

I posted a picture, commemorating the momentous occasion, and I had a friend comment, saying that a fire was appealing because it was a “validation of home.”

YES.

Obviously, through time, others have felt the same way because of lasting idioms like “hearth and home,” and “keep the home fires burning.” The fire was centric to the home’s well-being, the source of heat, cooked meals, and hot water. For centuries, it was essential to everyday life.

And you know what?

I believe it still is.

It’s the fire of Christ burning in us that shows others the way to more. It’s the fragrance of Him on the air that gets their attention, the pop and crackle of encouraging words that beckons them to come warm themselves.

The fire in us is the validation of Home to a cold world.

It’s getting especially chilly out, isn’t it? Seems to me that the time has never been better to be stocking our hearts up on firewood and kindling, and keep those Home fires burning.

“But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out.” Luke 3:16 MSG

“They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 NLT

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15 NIV

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 NIV