Christmas is coming! For many, this statement brings dreaded thoughts of last minute shopping. For others, the dread of last minute shoppers. For Christians, it should also bring the awe and excitement of the two advents of our Lord, the one that took place nearly 2000 years ago, and the other yet to come. Some may want to argue about the “date”, but what’s the use? It is what it is, and God has allowed it to be that way, so we might as well work with what we’ve been given.
Since the season that is upon us will mostly focus on the first advent, I will take this opportunity to focus on the second. We who are in Christ should look forward with hopeful expectation in the return of our Lord. It is, and rightly should be, the most anticipated of all events in human history. It has certainly been the point of much controversy and speculation. But rather than speculate, I’d like to focus on some of what we can know for sure.
Jesus told us in John 14:2-3 that there was an abundance of room in his Father’s house and that he was going away to prepare a place for us there. He also promised he would come back for us and take us to be with him there. In Acts 1:11, the angels proclaim that Jesus would descend from heaven just as he ascended into heaven, in the full sight of all present.
Paul confirmed this in his letter to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thes. 4:16-17), adding that we would rise to meet him. The promise is that from that point on we would be with him forever! Just ponder that for a moment… The one who loves you the absolute most, who lavishes gifts upon you and who desires that none should perish, but all come to everlasting life, wants you to be with him forever. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
Of course, there is another side of this that is more difficult to ponder. Although God does not desire that anyone miss out on this opportunity (2 Peter 3:9), he will not force anyone into his everlasting embrace. Humanity has to come to him willingly, on the terms that he has set forth, not on their own terms. Those who refuse will have no place in his presence and their lives will be snuffed out like a candle flame.
That is why God calls upon us to share our hope with others, that their flame may be fueled by the everlasting presence and power of the Holy Spirit, not the selfish ambitions of a heart gone astray. We should be, as the saying goes, “on fire” for Christ, not hiding our flame under a bushel, but keeping it out where the world can see it. We should be known for the light and warmth that flow from God’s Spirit within us.
It is interesting that candles have played such an active roll in the Christmas season. One could make the analogy that on an evening some two thousand years ago a fire was lit that has ignited the hearts of a multitude of believers ever since. You are part of that procession. Won’t you pass on the flame to someone this holiday season?
God bless,
Pastor Thom
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