A friend of mine said to me this week, “I am so excited about the return of Christ.” We had been discussing what the return of our Lord meant. Think about it with me for just a moment. There will be healthy and happy children. We will hear the sounds of children laughing and playing without fear. A husband and wife will walk in the moonlight or beneath a streetlight more deeply in love than they could have ever dreamed, with no fear of harm. We will walk in perfect fellowship with Christ! No more suffering, no more sickness, no more death. The more I contemplate the second advent of Christ, joy fills my heart and mind. No wonder the church called his return the blessed hope!

Of all the promises of hope, the encouraging messages of hope, and the presence of hope, only the return of Christ is called blessed! So as we ponder the joy that Jesus’ first advent brings to mind. Let us also take time to ponder and prepare for his second advent, our blessed hope!

“We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for to us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:12b-14, NIV

When the world had revolted against its Maker, and the Creator had been defied by His own creatures, a great gulf was opened between God and man. The first coming of Christ was like a bridge which crossed the chasm, and made a way of access from God to man, and then from man to God. Our Lord’s second advent will make that bridge far broader, until heaven shall come down to earth; and, ultimately, earth shall go up to Heaven. (Charles Spurgeon)

May you be filled with overwhelming joy and peace! Indeed Christ came to save us from our sins and give us a future and hope! As you prepare for Christmas, think about how are my family and I preparing for the return of the Lord. It just so happens that the carol, “O Come Emmanuel” is playing. I feel it deep down, that longing for Christ to return.

Longing is good but we need wisdom too. Wisdom instructs us to plan how we invest our time, talent, treasure, and testimony that God has blessed us with. Jesus elaborated on that principle by teaching us to invest our truest treasures in heaven. Our hearts will always flow to where our treasures go. Are you investing in eternity? Here are just a few ideas.

• If you ask me how, I would suggest that we slow down to read the prophecies of Christ’s first and second coming.
• Pay attention to what the prophets said about how we should live in light of that. Read prayerfully and make notes.
• Ask yourself how will I apply this to my life?
• If you have children or grandchildren read a good children’s devotional with them. Be prepared to answer their questions.
• Decide to be generous. Woodland Church is receiving funds to help build homes in Nepal, an orphanage in the Philippines, church/school/ clinic in El Salvador, and so much more. We call it the Joyful Noise Offering.
• Invite someone to your home.
• Invite someone to Christmas Eve Services this Year!
• Whatever you do, do it in the name of the Lord!

Christmas is the perfect time to rejoice, contemplate, and prepare for Christ’s return. Let’s be emulate the shepherds, the wise men, Simeon and Anna and look for the appearing of our Lord.

Peace!