I know someone who lives on a certain street in a certain town where there is some street snobbery.  While she was at a community gathering, several women from the “elite” part of town asked her where she lives.  When she answered with the street name, which happens to be somewhat prestigious, they smiled and were friendly until another asked her actual address.  Well, her address was too far down that street to be acceptable; the women instantly gave her the cold shoulder and didn’t speak another word to her for the rest of the evening.

I want to tell these women, I know of a place even better than where you live!  And no, I’m not talking about the twenty-million-dollar mansions in Silicon Valley.  I’m talking about a place where the streets are paved with gold.  And the one who lives there?  He is not an exclusive snob.  In fact, he left his own mansion to come to be with us, on whatever part of whatever street in whatever neighborhood we live in.  In fact, he made his first appearance in a stable.  And he came not only to be with us wherever we are; he came to invite us to be with him.  In fact, he’s getting our room ready right now!

I confess, sometimes I can be more like those women than I want to be.  Instead, I want to be like more like Jesus, extending welcome, kindness, and love on every street.

…Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God… The great street of the city was of gold… Revelation 21:3, 21

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:2-3