Anticipation!

Christmas is coming! Oh, the anticipation! Oh, the eagerness! Oh, the excitement! The masses have been frantically shopping and eagerly anticipating the exchanging of gifts. I am even eagerly anticipating the excitement that will be on the faces of our grandchildren as they open their presents tomorrow morning. However, how many are focusing on Christ and a relationship with Him? How many celebrate Christ as a part of their life throughout the year? I realize we do not know with certainty the precise birthday of Jesus. Nevertheless, just as HIS COMING was prophesied He came in the fulfillment of every detail. For those who would believe, He was clearly seen to be the long awaited Messiah.

As angels heralded our Lord’s first coming ( Luke 2:9-13), so also angelic messengers encouraged regarding His second ( Acts 1:10-11). Do we still share an eagerness regarding HIS COMING?

Writing to the church at Philippi, Paul stated…
“(20) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it WE AWAIT A SAVIOR, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” ( Philippians 3:20-21 ESV)

The Greek (according to Vine’s Expository Dict. of N.T. Words) implies “to await or expect eagerly.” And the New Living Translation reads… “we are EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM TO RETURN as our Savior.” [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

Encouraging the Christians at Thessalonica, Paul wrote…
“(16) for THE LORD HIMSELF WILL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive, who are left, WILL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER with them in the clouds TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR, and so we will always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.” ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV)

Eager anticipation! Is that our spirit in view of the Lord’s return? If so, are we daily living life in preparation for HIS COMING? That is the day the world needs to become more aware of because it is a day of eternal significance! May we help those around us understand there is much more to the story of Jesus than a baby in a manger.

Have a great day LIVING WITH OUR LORD’S RETURN IN MIND!
Carl

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