He has been waiting for this moment. Yearning, longing, eager to lay eyes on him again.
Despite existing outside of time, it has felt like an eternity since he last set eyes on him – face to face. How he has missed the gentle smile that never fails to melt his heart. He had cried when he called for him, all alone on that dark, fateful day. They had planned it together and had always known how painful those hours would be, but nothing could have prepared him for the anguish of those moments – “Father, why have you forsaken me?” – words that haunted him for many hours, days even. A gentle tear lingers on the corner of his right eye as he remembers his son’s desperate plea for help.
He is grateful he stuck to the plan; resisting the temptation to send two legions of angels to not only rescue his beloved son but also avenge his persecutors. It had all been worth it. For now, the barriers between them and humankind has been removed once and for all. No more sacrifices. No more penance. No more price to pay. No more guilt. No more shame. His son has paid it all.
A gentle smile begins to etch on his face as he senses his son’s imminent arrival. His heart beats faster, swelling with effervescent pride and joy. He glances at the sea of people below – hundreds of thousands on one side and hundreds of thousands on the other; a jubilant guard of honour.
The gates open, and there he is – the King of kings, resplendent in majesty, glory, and authority. The crowds gasp, excited and relieved by the sight of the one they feared had perished. Many of them still amazed by the sacrifice he had made. During those three days, the corridors of heaven had been quiet. A potent mix of shock, horror, and confusion had filled the air as they wondered how the son of God could have been slaughtered in such a way. Why had God the father not rescued him? Why had his son allowed them to take him? Why had he not overpowered them? But now they know better. Both father and son had planned it that way. Everything had happened precisely according to the will of their sovereignty. They begin to cheer fervently, overcome by the presence of their Prince of Peace. The hundreds of thousands on the left begin to sing – “Hosanna in the highest”, and the throng on the right proclaim, “Holy Holy Holy, is the Lord God Almighty. Who was, and is, and is to come.” Over and over again they proclaim, as those on the left sing from the depths of their hearts, creating an inexplicably melodious and moving ensemble.
The father can no longer contain himself. The sight of his son has filled him with such joy, gratitude, and pride that he gets to his feet and begins to make his way towards him; slowly at first but soon quickening his steps. He has been wanting to embrace him for so long, and now he is here, finally back, and back for good. All of a sudden, the singing and proclamations cease, as father and son embrace. Shouts of joy consume the air. He doesn’t want to let him go; this son whom he loves so much. He wants to hold him forever, have him right here – always with him, never to leave his side again. He continues to hold him tight for several minutes as heaven rejoices, before finally releasing his embrace and taking his hand. “My son!” He says, his loving voice filling every corner of heaven, “This is My Son, in whom I am well pleased. This is my son whom I love so much.”
Tears of joy flow freely down his cheeks. His son is home, and his children are no longer separated from them.