In Light of His Return

You’ve probably already noticed all the lights, decorations, music, and Christmas trees around you. This time of year is indeed special because we’re approaching the long-awaited day, Christmas. Indeed, for us believers, it’s absolutely right to attach great significance to the day that celebrates and honors the first advent of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus, the eternal God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who alone is infinitely holy, perfect, righteous, and deserving of all praise, honor, and glory, laid aside His crown and stooped down to the lowest of the filthiest lows to dwell amidst sinners and lay down His sinless life for our sinful souls. God fulfilled His long-awaited promise, spoken of by the prophets long ago: the day when the Messiah would come to save! Without the birth of Jesus, there would be no hope for us, no sinless sacrifice to make atonement for our sins on the cross, no perfect righteousness available to us, and no triumphant Savior to rise from the tomb for our justification. God would be found a liar, but God didn’t lie!

God’s prophets didn’t only speak of Jesus coming once. They proclaim that He’s coming back soon to reign with His people! Christmas isn’t only a time for us to look back to Christ’s first coming, but it’s also a time to look forward to His return. Like any good book, we want to keep reading; we don’t just stop at chapter one. We continue reading excitedly to find out what’s coming next! We’ve only read and seen the first chapter regarding Jesus’ first coming, but we need to turn the page and look forward to what God has prepared at His return! God was absolutely faithful in fulfilling all the prophecies and promises regarding the first advent of His Son, and He will certainly fulfill His promises regarding Jesus’ return! Friends, it is our duty not only to remember Christ’s first coming, but to set our hopes on His return and live our lives in light of it. So, what are we to do?

Scripture tells us that Jesus will return soon and unexpectedly (Matt. 24:36-44; Mark 13:32-33; Acts 1:7; 1 Thess. 5:1-6), and we must be alert and ready. Our primary concern today is our readiness for Christ’s return! Our minds are filled with all sorts of obligations, tasks, duties, hardships, assignments, aspirations, and goals that continually take our sights off what’s most important: our relationship with God. Friends, yes, indeed, life is hectic, we’re constantly busy and under pressure, but our hearts must be continually focused on Christ and His return. We need to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and, once again, realize that our earthly lives are finite and temporary. Eternity is yet before us, and our souls must be deeply engaged in getting to know our God and loving our fellow brothers and sisters. Let’s be a people who know their God and love one another with a serving and upbuilding spirit, intending to do what is good for one another and for all people as we celebrate His first coming, and eagerly await the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

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"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6