I was listening to the latest batch of songs in the new hymnbook, and one immediately caught my attention. The song is called “Welcome Home.” It was written in 2017 by Andrea Christensen Brett. Andrea was inspired to write the song after a new convert enthusiastically greeted her at church.
“With arms outstretched, he called out, ‘Welcome! Welcome to the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Welcome home!’” Andrea explained to ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
I love that image of such a joyful welcome at church. The first verse of “Welcome Home” invites all to come and “share God’s grace” at church. The second verse invites us all to temple worship. And the third verse—my favorite—reminds us that the Savior beckons for all of us to “come to His feast.”
About a year after she wrote the song, Andrea’s father passed away, and her family sang “Welcome Home” at his funeral.
Andrea wrote, “This hymn expresses my testimony that someday, when I return to heaven, I will be reunited with my earthly parents, my heavenly parents, and beloved family and friends. They will be there with open arms to greet me.”
I imagine that the third verse, especially, would’ve been meaningful at the funeral. The verse reads:
“The gates of heaven blaze with light.
The Savior beckons in robes of white—
Arms outstretched, His table spread.
Come to His feast; with love be fed.”
The song has a chorus between each verse. The final lines of the chorus paint a tender image of a loving reunion with God after death:
“Where’er we wander, where’er we roam,
We’re always welcome, welcome home.”
You can listen to the hymn “Welcome Home” in the player below.
Welcome Home
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