Advent begins today, four Sundays before Christmas.
The Christmas story has been hijacked by many things in our modern society. Strolling through the stores this weekend, there were plenty of Santas and snowmen. Even gnomes in red hats were plentiful. But we had to wander into the very rear of the stores to find nativities with baby Jesus.
Even in the gospel stories, baby Jesus has no words to share. The primary players are Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, shepherds and wise men from the east, speaking words of faith and wonder. But Jesus did not stay a baby. As Luke documents, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). As a young man, He healed the sick, fed the hungry and raised the dead. He was crucified, died, was buried and on the third day, He rose from the dead, showing Himself to the disciples and more than 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:5).
But Jesus is not done. He is coming again.
After Jesus ascended into heaven and then was hidden by the clouds. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)
So this advent, I will read Revelation and consider, what should I look for when Jesus comes again? How should I prepare my heart for His second coming? He came the first time as a baby, growing naturally into a man, doing the miracles that the prophets predicted, but many of His own chosen people missed it. And they crucified Him. I don't want to miss it. There are so many distractions in everyday life! Even holy days are clouded by our culture with false idols like Santa and Easter bunnies.
May we all be ready to greet Him!
