Welcome!

It's a word I use SO frequently—as I open the door to strangers and friends…as I respond to another’s “thanks”….When I became aware that the word popped up on so many signs around my house and garden, I turned to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary to learn a bit more about it. This is what I found:

Welcome \Wel"come\, a. [OE. welcome, welcume, wilcume, AS. wilcuma a welcome guest, from wil-, as a prefix, akin to willa will + cuma a comer, fr. cuman to come; hence, properly, one who comes so as to please another's will; cf. Icel. velkominn welcome, G. willkommen. See Will, n., and Come.]
1. Received with gladness; admitted willingly to the house, entertainment, or company; as, a welcome visitor. "When the glad soul is made Heaven's welcome guest."--Cowper.
2. Producing gladness; grateful; as, a welcome present; welcome news. ``O, welcome hour!'' --Milton.
3. Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to the use of my library.

There are at least four towns/cities in the U.S.A. with the name Welcome. They are in Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

And Jesus was “high” on welcome! Just look at Matthew 18:5 & Mark 9:37. Later, Peter wrote: “(those who eagerly make their calling and election sure) will never fail and…will receive a rich WELCOME into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11

By the way, do you notice in the etymology section the words “see Will and Come”? Jesus said, “Whosoever will may come”! WILL you? HAVE you?
WHOEVER IS THIRSTY, LET HIM COME;
AND WHOEVER WISHES, LET HIM TAKE THE FREE GIFT
OF THE WATER OF LIFE. Revelation 22:17
Welcome!

4 comments:

  1. I quickly counted my "welcome" signs in my head...have 8 that come to mind...had never thought to count them...maybe there's more...
    Enjoy your day Rebecca...you're welcome to visit any time!

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  2. I am so greatful to the Lords welcome to us. Do you think it will be engraved somewhere in heaven? Dee

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  3. I love your post. He will welcome us one day soon!!

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  4. I come here to enjoy your post but it's your choice of music that keeps me here. If there were one word to describe your blog it would be "hope" which you give to those in need. :)

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)