Welcome Home

In late January of 2017, Andrea Christensen Brett visited her son’s college songwriting class on a day when students were sharing original hymns. Inspired by their music, she challenged herself to write a hymn. Despite her long career as a songwriter and performer, hymn writing was something she hadn’t done since she was a music student nearly 40 years earlier.

Just days later, she received inspiration for her hymn while she and her husband were visiting his parents and attending church in their ward. As they approached the building, they were enthusiastically greeted by a man—a new convert to the Church—standing outside in the snow. With arms outstretched, he called out, “Welcome! Welcome to the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! Welcome home!” Sister Brett wanted her hymn to convey the warm welcome she received that day.

The following January, Sister Brett and her family sang “Welcome Home” at her father’s funeral, reflecting on how her father was being welcomed back to his heavenly home. She 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.”

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Welcome Home

Scriptures

Principles

Jesus Christ provides love, peace, and grace to all who come unto Him.
Jesus Christ restored His Church to gather God’s children and prepare them for His Second Coming.
In the house of the Lord, we make sacred covenants that bind us to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Questions to Ponder

What can you do to feel closer to Jesus Christ when you participate in the sacrament?
When has worshipping with others at church or in the house of the Lord helped you to feel a sense of belonging?
What might you do to help others know and feel that they are loved at church?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Share feelings about church, the temple, and heaven.
- Help your children express their feelings about church, the temple, and heaven by asking them thoughtful questions such as “What do you love about going to church? What do you love about the temple? Why do you want to be with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” These questions can help children connect their feelings with spiritual places and truths. Play the hymn while traveling or during family activities to help reinforce these ideas through music.
- You don’t need to ask all the questions at once. Choose natural, quiet moments throughout the day. These times might include traveling to or from church, passing by a temple or looking at a picture of one, before praying with your child, or while preparing a meal. These simple moments can become powerful opportunities for teaching and connection.
Teach about helping others feel welcome at church.
- Listen to the first verse of the hymn together, and choose simple gestures that match the words. For example, for “an open door,” put your hands together and open them; for “a warm embrace,” wrap your arms around yourself; for “worship,” place your hands together as if praying; for “gather,” gesture with your arms as if inviting others in; and for “feel Jesus near,” place your hands on your heart.
- During the chorus, invite your children to stand and walk in a circle to represent “trav’lers on life’s road.” As the final phrase, “welcome, welcome home,” is sung, turn to each other and offer a warm welcome with a handshake or hug.
- Talk about ways family members can help others feel welcome at church, especially visitors or those who may feel alone. Encourage your family to practice these welcoming actions at church on Sunday.