Preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday is a lot like preparing to celebrate most any birthday. There are gifts to buy and wrap. Food must be prepared. Who will we visit? Who will visit us? It can be a busy time!
I hope your preparation to celebrate Jesus’ birthday is including some time for reflecting on its significance. Celebrating Jesus birthday is an important way of remembering that Jesus left his rightful place in heaven to come to earth and be mortal, like us. When he stubbed his toe, it hurt. When he was hungry, his stomach growled. At the end of a long day, he was tired. Jesus knew the joy of loyal friends. He knew the agony of loyal friends betraying him.
But Christmas is not just about looking backwards. It’s also about looking forward. It is about looking forward to Jesus’ return at the end of time.
We know when we’ll celebrate Jesus’ birthday. December 25th! But when will we celebrate Jesus’ return? When is he coming again? We honestly don’t know. Maybe next week. Maybe next millennium. Maybe many, many, many millennia from now. After all, God measures time differently than we do. ‘With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.’
This is a good thing. The longer it takes Jesus to return, the more time there is for ‘everyone to come to repentance.’
For many, Jesus returning in glory is a scary proposition. Old ways must burn down, making way for ‘a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.’ It doesn’t have to be. Jesus’ second arrival can be a glorious occasion if we prepare properly.
How, then, should we prepare for Jesus’ second coming? What steps should we take to prepare for that uplifting, unforgettable day? Gifts, cake, visiting family and friends?
No! We prepare for Jesus’ return by living ‘holy and godly lives . . . spotless, blameless and at peace with him’.
Lots and lots has been written about the Second Coming. Most of it is no more than sound and fury, spilled ink and wasted labor. Don’t waste your time on them! Instead, live as Peter suggests. ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.’
God’s peace to us all,
Pastor Ken.