WORD FOR THE WEEK

We spend months preparing to celebrate and remember Christ’s first coming. How much more should we seek to be ready for the day of His second coming? That day, too, is a reality, an absolute certainty. Unlike Christmas Day, which we know to expect every 25th of December, only the Father knows the day and hour His Son will return, but He is coming. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Beloved One, will return to the earth. It has been promised.

In the fullness of time, He will split the sky and descend to destroy all wickedness, receive the worship that is rightfully His, and usher in a new age – one free of sin, suffering, disappointment and fear. On that day, the children of God will walk in full-hearted belief and unrestrained delight as we see our Beloved face to face. We will be free from the sin and the brokenness of this world. And that will be wonderful, but the real treasure is Jesus. His return marks the beginning of unbroken, unending fellowship with Him. It is a day we should believe in, think about, look to and prepare for with joy, anticipation, hope and holy fear.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, 

that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, 

and a thousand years as one day. 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness,     but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, 

but that all should reach repentance. 

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, 

and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, 

and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, 

and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.       Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, 

what sort of people ought you to be 

in lives of holiness and godliness, 

waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, 

because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, 

and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 

But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens 

and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, 

be diligent to be found by him 

without spot or blemish, 

and at peace. 

II Peter 3:8-14

As this Christmas season comes to a close, take some time to reflect upon how the reality of Jesus’ return affects the way you live. May your heart be full and your eyes bright as you hope in all things in Christ and look to His coming. Take heart, beloved. It won’t be long.

(Taken from Advent Guide: The Village Church 2011)