The mere mention of the word brings to mind an annual American tradition. Built around a central event, such as a sports event, the activities of homecoming vary widely.

Usually, homecoming is focused on a football game played on the school's home field as well as activities for students and alumni. Most times you'll find yourself watching a parade, and during half-time of the football game, the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned. Many high schools also hold Homecoming Dances after the game.

The internet tells us that the tradition of Homecoming most likely evolved from alumni football games held at colleges and universities since the mid 1800s.

At many schools, Homecoming Week may include "Dress-Up Days" and other "Spirit Week" activities. Many schools also hold a rally during Homecoming Week to increase enthusiasm for the Friday night football game. In addition, many former alumni "classes" hold their reunions during Homecoming Week and provide a large presence at the Homecoming game. This year, many a football announcer will repeat the words, "Tonight we'd like to recognize the Class of 1957, who have gathered to celebrate their 50th Class Reunion. Class of '57, will you stand and let us honor you?"

Yep. It's that time of year again. Fall, football, and Homecoming.

But as I was thinking about Homecoming this week, I had another thought.

I was thinking about the old-fashioned church homecoming. Do you remember?

There was special singing, dinner on the grounds, and visits from families and former pastors who had moved away. Many times these "homecomings" were held around what used to be called "Decoration Day," or just after harvest, when the men-folk could get out of the fields long enough to enjoy the day or weekend.

During homecoming you met aunts and uncles you may never have known you had, cousins who liked the same things you did, and church folks who remembered when you were "knee high to a grasshopper," even though you couldn't for the life of you remember ever laying eyes on them.

Those were fun-filled times.

Believers can look forward to yet another "homecoming."

One day, like it or not, we're all going to pass from this life to another place. When I do, I'm going to heaven.

If the Lord tarries, I might go by way of the flesh, dead to the world and alive to eternal life. If the Lord returns before that day, I'll join others as we make our way toward heaven to meet the Lord in the sky. Either way, that day will be nothing but joyful for believers.

I expect heaven will be a lot like an old-fashioned homecoming, minus the mashed potatoes, coleslaw and fried chicken.

And what a glorious homecoming it will be.