Return of the Prodigals by Kathleen Bailey

Licensed with Shutterstock

Saints now get ready, for surely they come.
My children are coming, both daughter and son.
They are arising out of sleep and their slumber.
They are coming in, in a very great number.
Out of the trees, like shadows they emerge.
Out of the dark, into the light, 
The children are coming out of the night.
Make yourself ready, open your doors.
Open your hearts, for they come, even more.
Carried on shoulders of the humble, they come.
Forsaken and broken, both daughter and son.
You have been praying, do not give up now.
For they are coming and they may be loud.
They may be silent or they may be sad.
But for sure, they are coming, now prepare and be glad.
The searchlight is shining in this coming year,
Seeking the lost and bringing them near.
The harvest is ready, my workers are few.
But I am bringing them home, and I am counting on you. 
It may not be easy, it may even be hard.
But they will walk up your sidewalk and into your yard. 
For you have been praying and they will come home.
Now, you must be ready,  don't leave them alone.
Awakened from slumber, awakened from sleep.
They return to be sober, out of the snare of the hunter, the beast.
They may be shaky, they may not be well, when they arrive out of this hell.
Be patient I tell you, for this is my Bride,
Who has been broken, now escaped from the snare, no longer to hide.
She arises and awakens, my heart is longing for her return.
So as she awakens, know my heart for her burns...
For my daughters, my sons, my heart beats with excitement.
My daughters, my sons, with such a fervent delightment.
Come home, come home. 
The light is on, the fire is burning, 
Come home, come home.
Come home, both God and your parents for you are yearning.
Your sisters, your brothers, will meet you there,
As you come through the yard and climb up the stairs. 
Saints, be ready, make a place in your home,
Make a place in your heart, for all are my own.
Prepare the ring, kill the fattest calf,
Make yourself ready, for my children are coming home,
They return at last.​

"For this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate." Luke 15:24

---