Welcome Home

Oh, wonderful, you’ve arrived at last! I cannot tell you how long I have awaited your arrival; even I felt an emptiness here without you. Do come in, and make yourself warm by the fire for a moment, then we shall begin. Where are you, you ask? Why, my friend, do you truly not recognize this place? I suppose it has only been spoken of to you. Well then, we have much to see! Come, let me show you to the door; don’t bother locking it behind you. Now, watch your step and do be careful walking on these streets; they’re quite slippery, you know. Lovely, aren’t they? I paved them myself.
Wait ... listen ... can you hear it? Yes, I can too. They are singing again, just as they always are. Everywhere one goes it can be heard, and no one ever tires of it. You see, they are not merely singing with their voices in rising and falling notes, no, surely they are singing from their hearts entirely. For no human voice can fashion such a sound without the power of reason behind it. Join in whenever you please, for once you begin, you won’t ever want to stop.
Look here. This is where the mansions are being prepared. They are breathtaking, I know, so magnificently constructed. And one of these belongs to you, my friend. Yes, you. Would you care to see it? I thought so. I chose this one for you long ago, and knew it would be perfect. With my own hands I adorned it in splendor, painted it in beauty, trimmed it with radiance. Do you like it? Somehow I knew you would. Yes, they are truly here, not just another fable you’ve heard so many of.
Did you manage to steal a glance at the gates on your way in? Sometimes I fear they are overlooked. The children play on them all the time, and yet, not a scratch can be found on a single pearl. They remain flawless.
Oh! Listen again! Can you hear them? Yes, I know you can still hear the voices, but there is something else in the air now. They are the trumpets, ringing in the distance. It’s growing closer, that majestic sound. How glorious their strain flows throughout this place! They are practicing for that Day. Yes, you know the day I speak of. That wondrous Day.
What is behind this door, you ask? My friend, it is something far beyond words or description. You must see it for yourself. And I’ve the key right here in my hand. Beyond this door lies what has been spoken of, all that has been promised. What was, and is, and is to come. Enter with gladness. Enter with humility. Go on now; you’ve nothing to fear.