Tomorrow is 2025 on the secular, worldwide calendar, and we will be exiting 2024 and the season of Advent wherein we celebrated Jesus’ birth. But as we move forward into a new year, may the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Advent remain with us – alive in all of its truth and glory. Remembering God’s promises kept through Christ’s birth is not just a window to be looked back through, but a lense through which to view this coming year. It’s time to put on the right glasses in order to get the right perspective. For, it’s not that we remain looking backward to what Christ did. Rather, it is about looking forward and in focus to what Christ is doing now and going to do.
For Jesus is our every day “living Hope” and has promised to come again as our “blessed Hope”, our eternal King. Jesus is our every day Peace that guards our hearts and minds in the midst of the overwhelming experiences of life, and is our promised Prince of Peace who will rule and reign soon and very soon. It is in Jesus’ presence that we find everyday Joy that is our strength, and we will imminently discover that all the pains and toils and suffering of this life in no way compares to the eternal weight of the glory of the joy that is set before us in Christ! And oh the joy that is found in true, selfless Love for one another as Christians daily. This Love Jesus calls us to live out, not just commemorate; to exemplify not just reflect upon. This Love Jesus demonstrated through His life and death and resurrection, and He has called us now to take up our crosses daily. This is not a duty. This is about our hearts as we imitate the Christ we love, even as we are clothed with Christ and conformed into the image of God’s dear Son.
So as we enter this new year, may we look through the lenses of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Let’s be focused on the right things this year. This year is not about us. It’s about loving others to Jesus. It’s about loving our brothers and sisters in Christ sacrificially, being quick to forgive them, making them a priority, and praying for them without ceasing. It’s about remaining in perfect peace with our minds set on Christ. It’s about rejoicing in all circumstances. It’s about the steadfast, unshakable hope in the Second Advent of Christ. Clothed with Christ, may we be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, overflowing with joy in spite of a world gone mad. There will be wars and rumors of war, pestilence, destruction, deception, catastrophes and the shaking of this earth, but our God is greater in us than he that is in this world. May we stand up and lift up our heads as children of the Most High, for our redemption is drawing near!!!
Are you lying flat right now with the wind knocked out of you by 2024?? Are you smack, dab in the middle of the highway of life, dazed and winded needing a break but the traffic is coming fast and furious? You’ve experienced too many ‘suddenlies’ this year, but you’ve also experienced the grace of God in ways you can’t even explain or put into words. For 2024 has been a year of ‘suddenlies’, both good and bad. Each ‘suddenly’ seems to have appeared mostly bad at first, but God always moved in His mysterious way and transformed each into a stepping stone for good that brought us closer to Him. For each their ‘suddenlies’ were different, but for each the result was the same: God drawing us nearer through it all, unveiling His divine plan and presence.
For some the suddenly was marriage. For others the suddenly was death. For some it was both. For some it was surgeries or health issues or financial challenges or family drama. For others it meant the end or beginning of a job or volunteer position or relationship.
My 2024 year started off with the sudden death of a dear friend, then found it’s way to the sudden marriage of my brother, a sudden mystery illness in me, sudden volunteer opportunities, the sudden engagement and wedding of a good friend, the sudden exposure of the lies and drug addiction in a family member, and ended with the sudden death of the sons of two friends of mine. Yes, all ‘suddenlies’. And yes, all in 2024.
There were also ‘suddenlies’ of things not so personal, like finding out that a pastor I had highly respected for years (even attending his church while in college) is walking in pride and in a Jezebel spirit of intimidation and is affecting thousands of others with his manipulative use of the word of God. Yet another sudden revelation was that of deep Occultism in high political places. No, not the Democrat party – that is obvious and overt. No, I mean the side that is red, white, and blue and looking to make the nation great again. And when I say Occultism, I mean darkness so vile and so intricately woven that it’s deception is hardly perceived. Still yet another ‘suddenly’ was the exposure of a prominent and well-known television station’s immortal leadership and the destructive ramifications. And then there was the ‘suddenly’ of a godly leader who has exposed great evil in the years since 9-11 and called the nation and the Church of America to repentance, who this year became deceived himself. And if that weren’t bad enough, he is now deceiving others, who’ve come to trust him, with that same deception.
As I sat in a church I was drawn by God to visit today, my heart was moved by the message of ‘suddenlies’ for everyone this past year. The pastor spoke of how he and many others can hardly wait to put 2024 behind them, to “close the door on 2024”. Woven beautifully throughout the message was the testimony of a couple who underwent a sudden illness that struck the wife as they journeyed north from their California home to Washington State for the summer. The doctor at the ER said that what she was enduring only struck 1 in 100,000, but that most survived it. Basically it was an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacked the nervous system of the spinal column. Through it all, they held fast to Jesus and the truth that our circumstances do not change the goodness nor the sovereignty of our God. The pastor tied things together perfectly with the fact that God will not fail us, ever (Hebrews 13), for His GRACE is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12). Furthermore, what we have endured is not just for our own good but so that we will now comfort others with the comfort we’ve been comforted with by the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1). The pastor’s final passage was that of Ephesians 3:20 which reads, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…” This is God’s grace – always more than enough, always exactly what we needs, and always powerful.
As we enter the secular new year of 2025, may we not rest in the the road of our journey lest we be run over by all that’s coming at breakneck speed. But, may we rest in this “power” of God that is working in us as we press on toward the goal of our heavenly calling. May we remember 2024’s “lion” and the “bear” like David did when facing the impossibility of Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Or perhaps 2024 was more a time of a Red Sea crossing where Pharaoh was behind you and a thrashing impossible sea in front of you. To whatever you may liken it, remember God was bigger. And if God helped you defeat that lion and bear and parted your Red Sea, even the valley of the shadow of death, then whatever you face in 2025 is no match for Almighty God either!!!!
As we enter 2025, I don’t know what you’re feeling spiritually or what God has spoken to you about it, but as for me, it has a darkly strange feel to it, much like what I felt when the nursing care facility in which I worked as chaplain went into lockdown for the flu. It was the pre-covid years. During the lockdown no resident was allowed to go to activities or to mingle in the halls nor to go to the dining room. Everything felt dark and depressing and suffocating, and I as a chaplain wanted to take my vacation at that time and come back when all returned to normal. But, I of course did not do that, but stayed and battled through the darkness and loved on those precious, elderly sheep. And eerily enough, the year of 2025 that we are about to enter feels like that same dark tunnel of the pre-covid lockdown at the nursing home. And again, I want to take a vacation and go away until this too shall pass. But, that is not what I did then with the “lion” and the “bear” as I helped others facing their Red Sea, and I will not do it now.
And may you not do it either! This year of 2025 the body of Christ will need each other intensely and as never before, and we must choose to love each other selflessly, to comfort one another faithfully, to be quick to forgive, to encourage one another unfailingly, and to pray for one another without ceasing. And I do fervently mean without ceasing. This is not the time to be selfish nor ambitious nor thoughtless nor casual. This is the time to lay down our lives – our selfish wants, our goals, our plans, our money, our dreams – for one another. The darkness is closing in, and Jesus’ return is immanently closer. And that precious Jesus who is coming again soon, prayed that His Church would be one, united, and love one another sacrificially as He loves us. Will you do this? Will you, this year of 2025, be a part of answering Christ’s broken, heart-felt, fervent prayer in the garden??? (John 17)
And oh how I pray “16that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3)
Now, let us hold within our hearts the power of our blessed and living hope of Christ’s soon return, embrace God’s peace that passes all understanding that has guarded our hearts throughout 2024, keep our eyes on the incredible joy set before us that helps us to press on through each trial, and live out the love of Christ to each other and the lost. Let us put on Christ in the new year like never before. Let us remember the theme of Advent and the lessons of this past year. Let’s meet the Goliaths and other giants of 2025 head on knowing that God has already defeated our lions and bears and parted our Read Seas!!! Let’s even be strong and courageous like Joshua as we enter this new phase of our journey – and enter the land of Promise that is full of Nephilim and the unknown, but also the fulfillment of the promises of our great and glorious God! Truly God said and is still saying now to us today, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1). Though the nations rage against our God, though earthquakes both spiritual and natural shake this world to its core, though evil bombards the Church like the foaming relentless, hurricane whipped sea, our Jesus is still the Master of the sea, the Lord over the storm, and King of all kings!!!
Just think….. Today had once been an ordinary day. The shepherds were just shepherds Doing ordinary things, Talking about ordinary life: family struggles, the government, illness, the sheep. Weary travelers found lodging on that normal silent night Because their unjust world government had called for all to take part in an invasive census. And people held their breath wondering if things would ever change, if hope would ever come, if God would deliver His people once again as in days of old. Darkness had descended and gripped the hearts of its captives, Tormenting the people like the Philistines of old. And they all just kept living, breathing, suffering, hoping… Oh where was their Messiah??
What was the feeling in the air on that ordinary night? What transpired in one second of no hope to the next when Christ was born? Did anyone sense a change, a difference? One second all the world is in agony as Mary travails in childbirth, and the next second a baby’s cry changes the world forever. One second suffering The next second joy; One second pain The next second hope; One second travail The next second life; One second bleating sheep The next second the sky was filled with herald angels declaring Messiah’s birth.
And what of now? Are we not wondering where is our Jesus? Why does He tarry so long? All the world is descending into chaos of pandemics, world war, and persecution, While world leaders establish a new world order of the Beast. The tentacles of darkness are gripping more tightly As deception weaves it’s mystic Web even among the saints.
But in one second, soon and very soon, Yes in one breathless twinkling of an eye We shall all be changed.
One second darkness The next second light upon light One second suffering and pain The next we awaken from the night. For our Lord has not forgotten Our Lord is not too late Our Jesus is still coming And for this we eagerly wait.
So this Christmas Eve as we reflect on that glorious moment when everything changed from travail to life, let’s also remember that another split second change is coming soon when darkness turns to light.
Be encouraged! Our Lord has not forgotten. He kept His promise before; He’ll keep it again!
“16For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16)
WHAT IS THIS LOVE OF GOD??
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the candle of love. But… what is this love? Have we in our American prosperity Gospel mindset decorated with versions of Hollywood/Hallmark/Disney feel-good love lost the potency of its true definition? Are we so tainted by selfish, self-absorbed, self-motivated love that we do not reverence the miracle of Christ’s birth? Have we really thought on the marvel of a majestic God from all eternity past who lay aside His kingly robes, stepped down from His imperial glory shared with the Father from before the foundation of the world, and clothed Himself in the flesh of humanity. And this fleshly cloth He garbed Himself in was not that of an earthly king, emperor, governor, conquering five star general, great businessman, superhero, popular actor or rock star, president, nor even the richest man in the world. No. But, “1Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him…By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:1-3, 11). Lodged within the many Hebraic letters of the lengthy prophetic book of Isaiah we see the answer — He would manifest as a Servant.
But let’s back up a little. Let’s start back at the very beginning of our world, and see what started it all.
The forever self-existent one, the Ancient of Days, who ruled an eternal kingdom for eternal ages before our age of earth was ever a twinkle in His fiery eyes, through our Jesus set this world in motion calling all into existence by His word, and holding it all together by the word of His great power. This God of gods, King of kings, and Lord of lords, stooped down molding mankind out of the clay of this earth, creating humanity in the image of the godhead and breathing into their lungs the very breath of Almighty God.
But both Adam and Eve who walked and talked with God in the cool of the day chose the path of the fallen angels’ treachery, believed the lying voice of the serpent over God’s truth, and disobediently set foot on a course at war with God. Banished from the garden of God’s kingdom, they found themselves fallen far short of the glory of God and hopeless in a world of dark depravity and death. Generation after generation stumbled in this darkness, and generation after generation also chose that depravity and death by rejecting God’s persistent call to repentance and life.
God in all of His holiness and grandeur could have in one split second wiped out the entire mess. Our holy God who dwells in unapproachable light and is enrobed in endless glory, enthroned in His eternal kingdom on Mount Zion, this same God who had been so unjustly rejected, so cruelly betrayed, so heartlessly disobeyed could have justly destroyed the sinners. And indeed, the penalty for such rebellion was death – “for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 3).
Really, looking from an earthly minded perspective, if God were a romantic lead in a modern movie, He would have rightfully divorced us completely and moved on to another spouse by now. If God were the ruler of a kingdom in a modern story line, He would have justly punished all perpetrators immediately and rewarded His faithful with great wealth, prestige and power. In short, He would not ever have put up with any offense, would have avenged His own betrayal, would have divorced His unfaithful wife and left her in eternal poverty and pain, and would have obliterated all offenders. And indeed, He had the right to do this. He is a righteous and holy God, and in His kingdom vengeance is His.
Instead… wonder of wonders, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son… And Jesus the Son of God who shared God’s glory from before the world began and by whom God had created all things, arose from His eternal throne, took off His regal, royal robes, lay aside all titles and prestige, and clothed Himself in the human flesh of a servant of servants, who put on a towel and washed the feet of His disciples. For love is not about vengeance, for it keeps no record of wrongs. Love is not about offense, for love is not proud nor self-seeking, but rather is patient and kind. And this patience does not retaliate but restrains all anger in spite of all unjust suffering and pain, and this kindness is a gentle, loyal servant’s heart toward others that seeks ways to be benevolent and in so doing defies all explanation, boggling the mind of those it serves.
This is our God. This is our Jesus. The very God who was rejected, reached out with open arms. The very God who was rebelled against, extended terms of peace to those at war with Him. The very God who was wronged, held no grudge but sent His only begotten Son as the ransom for many taken captive by the kingdom of darkness. The very God who was betrayed, turned the other cheek, and in complete humility descended from the height of Zion to our hopeless world…as a Servant.
THE LOVE OF GOD THROUGH US
And now, He calls Christians to “abide in My love” (John 15:9). “10If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you do whatever I command you… 17These things I command you, that you love one another.” (John 15). For truly, “11The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23). “1We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3For even Christ did not please Himself…” (Romans 15).
This life is not about our comforts or our rights or our desires or our self-esteem or making a name for ourselves, but rather, it is all about loving one another as Christ loved us, and laying down our lives for one another by putting others first. No, this is not some ridiculous extreme self-loathing. Rather, it is a humility that goes so deep that the edification of our fellow Christians is more important than position, prestige, wealth or power. In so doing we walk in the footsteps of our Master, Jesus, who said that no servant is above his master (John 15:20). Jesus displayed for us exactly how we should live, how we should look, how we should speak, how we should be. He was a servant, and He calls us to be servants too.
And yes, this is “foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…20Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 20-21).
Now we are to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1), even edifying one another “13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”(Ephesians 4). “12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.14But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Colossians 3).
Love is the “bond”, the glue, the unifying strand that holds the body of Christ together, and in short, is also the desired goal. For God is love, and we are made in His image. Let us therefore, as the seed of God and new creations of Christ, be imitators of God. Let us look like Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.
CONCLUSION
Now, I pray that each of you reading this and reflecting upon the love of God on this fourth Sunday of Advent and in the final days before Christmas arrives and even the new year, will come to know more deeply the profound nature of this true love. May you stand in awe of the true love of Jesus, “6who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2). May you marvel that the very word of God that formed us with His own hands out of the clay, became flesh and dwelt among us and has with His own hands yet again extracted us from the mire of sin. And may God “according to the riches of His glory”, strengthen you “with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3).
Indeed, I pray that by growing in the knowledge of this fathomless love of God, this truest of true love that came in the form of a Servant, you will come to love your brothers and sisters in Christ that your joy may indeed be full. “1Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2). “9As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. 10If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. 11I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15).
Jesus is coming soon. Let’s look like Him when He returns!
“10Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10
The First Advent
Today is the third Sunday of Advent, the candle of joy. Some call it the Shepherd’s day, for to them was declared the “tidings of great joy” by the angel. And these tidings not only shook the innermost recesses of hell and shattered the darkness with inexplicable, incomprehensible light upon light, but also ceaselessly resounded worldwide. Prophesied centuries before, its fulfillment had finally been birthed – God incarnate come. This the prophets of old longed for and looked forward to with great anticipation, and even at the time of this momentous nativity the Jewish nation was holding its breath for their promised Messiah. Because of the prophet Daniel, they could know the time was at hand, and the chief priests and scribes of Matthew 2 knew where the messiah would be born. Since Eden, God’s prophecy of the coming had filled Old Testament prophets and saints with wonder and questions, after all, God had said, “15And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3). As 1 Peter 1 so eloquently puts it, “10Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.”
But, “13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them…” These saints “33 … through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again.Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. 39And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise…” (Hebrews 11). For indeed, those who sow in tears will reap in great joy (Psalm 126:5).
And the very Jesus they looked forward to we Christians look back to with joy in His coming to not only be born, but to die and be resurrected “to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20); the One who “endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,” (Hebrews 12:3) and “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2).
Joy: A Biblical Definition and What It Means For Us
‘For the joy’…What is this joy of Jesus?
The Greek work for joy is chara (#5479) which comes from the Greek work charis meaning “grace”, which is a leaning towards in favor. And thus, the word chara means, “joy because of grace” because of God’s favor, a calm delight, and “a deep abiding sense of joy and gladness that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances…characterized by a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends worldly troubles,” including intense persecution (Bible Hub, “Chara”).
To catch a glimpse of what this grace is, the Apostle Paul expounds in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, which says, “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” And this indeed aligns with what Nehemiah 8:10 states of joy, saying, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” As James 1 says, “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
This is like a woman going into labor, who though in excruciating pain, knows that on the other side of it a baby will be placed in her weary arms. This is like one going in for surgery who knows that when all is said and done the tumor will be removed and the healing will begin.
This is a strange sort of joy, that is absolutely nothing like circumstantial happiness which thrives only in good weather and cannot endure the storm. Just like the peace of God, joy not only endures the cataclysm, it thrives in such conditions, for it is unaffected and undaunted by the winds and waves. It is untouched why the thrashing and whipping and wild winds of the night because its birth is not in serenity but in the tumult. Without the tumult, there would be no true joy, for joy is not joy unless it comes from grace. And grace… grace is indescribable, supernatural power of “unfailing brightness” (Ellicott’s commentary, BibleHub) emanating from the very presence of God Most High. This is why it is in the presence of God, even the secret place beneath the shadow of the Almighty, that fulness of joy is found (Psalm 16:11). Fullness of joy…
The Old Testament saints looked ahead in anticipation of the joyful arrival of their promised messiah, but never saw the day. Jesus suffered on the cross knowing that it would lead to pure joy. And Christians right now have tucked away in their heart of hearts this fruit of quiet, steadfast, unmovable joy in the God of their salvation, so that in all things and at all times they can “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).
And thus we can say with the Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:10,”As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything,” for, “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” Even as the prophet Habakkuk (3:17-18) says, “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
Nothing is to be compared to going through horrific torture or trials or tribulation of any kind for our beloved Christ, knowing that on the other side of it all Jesus awaits us to say, ‘well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ For at the present time we are not to be seeking our comforts or worldly pleasure nor monetary success, but rather to be rejoicing “to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:13).
Second Advent Joy
But, the Christian’s joy is not just focused on what Christ did in His first Advent – in all of its incredible power over sin and the defeat of death and the grave and the humiliation of all demonic principalities and of the reconciling of all who believe in and call upon the name of the Lord – for that was just the birthing and new beginning of something much grander and glorious. For we also look forward to what the angel told Mary in Luke 1. “30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
May this calm, undimmed radiant joy within in each of us as given by the precious Holy Spirit, sparkle more and more with glorious brilliance as this Day of days approaches with every passing minute – the Day of Christ’s Second Advent wherein He will reign as King of kings on the throne of David over an endless, indestructible Kingdom. Thy will be done! Thy Kingdom come! Hallelujah!
Conclusion
For our spiritual salvation is not the conclusion. Though right now we suffer and persecution thrives like an overgrowth of poisonous thorns, there is a time coming of great joy, wherein “51 …We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory…58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15).
As we go forth this week and every day until the immanent rapture and Christ’s triumphant second coming, may we go forth with joy because of grace in spite of every affliction. “16Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4).
And may we not only hold this calm delight to ourselves in our hearts, but may we so brim with this joy that we cannot help but share it with those around us who are in desperate need of this salvation. Do not withhold this hope. Do not withhold this peace. Do not withhold this joy. We have been given these gifts that we might share them. What you have received, freely give! May we dauntlessly carry forth the word of this great Gospel of indomitable hope, transcendent peace and intrepid tidings of great joy until He call us home! Remember, we are Ambassadors of this ‘Gospel of peace’ to a world at war with God, and who else will share the terms of peace except us? “7How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” (Isaiah 52) Yes, “1The Lord reigns; Let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad! 2Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. 3A fire goes before Him, And burns up His enemies round about. 4His lightnings light the world; The earth sees and trembles. 5The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory. 7Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, Who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8Zion hears and is glad, And the daughters of Judah rejoice Because of Your judgments, O Lord. 9For You, Lord, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. 10You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11Light is sown for the righteous, And gladness for the upright in heart. 12Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” (Psalm 97)
Amen! So be it! Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!!
"The Holidays Have Come Again" Christmas poem by: H. E. Basaar, November 2022 *****
The holidays have come again With the hustle, bustle, and light; Songs of Jesus’ birth resound As gray days turn into white.
But… the chair now stands empty Wherein your loved one sat. Why it seems like only yesterday, You saw their smile and heard their laugh.
Now in every face you see them And in every song you hear, For the holidays especially Make you wish to have them near.
From the light of every candle to the words of every Christmas song, To the taste of foods and laughter, you remember those gone on.
But in all of this remembering on this sparkling holiday, while families are assembling in a happy joyous way,
Though their chair ‘here’ is empty Their chair’s been filled on the other side And our chair ‘there’ is waiting For us to rest and ’er abide.
Let us then lift our eyes to heaven and set our minds on things above, on the riches of God’s mercy, and the grandeur of His love.
For as the chairs of earth are emptied, heaven’s residents take their place. The eternal reunion begins as we here complete our race.
One by one each chair is taken for one by one Heaven’s table’s filled. One by one eternity commences, and all this world is stilled.
All the noise and sorrow Fades as darkness turns to light. For the glorious King is coming, And our faith will soon be sight.
Let THIS then fill each heart and mind, That we shall no more roam. For earth is not our heaven, nor has ever been our home. So, sing with heaven’s harmony, And with all true sincerity; For soon His face we all shall see Yes, Jesus we shall see. And Oh! The merriest Christmas that will be!!
Today is the lighting of the peace candle of Advent. Though I have never celebrated the lighting of the candles because I thought they were a non-Christian, man-made, Catholic tradition, I have inadvertently stumbled upon the power of this very Biblical and spiritually rich concept. Whether or not one has candles is beside the point. The powerful remembrance, however, behind each, causes one to reflect upon what our Christ did at His first Advent and has now empowered us to do because of His first Advent, and the incredible excitement of looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His second Advent!
Without further ado, let’s look at the second candle of peace. There are three points to reflect upon with the lighting of this candle: first, the meaning of the first coming of Christ; second, our responsibility as His ambassadors, and third, the looking forward to His future, eternal Kingdom of peace.
THE MEANING OF THE FIRST ADVENT: THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
As we see in the passage of Luke 2 which says, “13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” the first coming of Christ was glorious to the supreme, God Most High who is of and in the highest and vastest heights. This phrase ought to put one into the awesome reflection that our God is supremely high, and there is no one more uplifted nor so holy nor so vastly and starkly contrasted with the lowness of earth here below. This same great God, sent His only begotten Son into the world. As it says in Philippians 2, “6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
It was God’s glory to present to earth and humanity, the terms of peace and goodwill via His only begotten Son. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). As Micah 5 says, “2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.3Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.4And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.5And this man shall be the peace…” “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
Jesus is the peace extended by the Most High God to humanity, for when Jesus was lifted up on the cross He drew all unto Himself (John 12:32). As Ephesians 2 puts it so beautifully, “… 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
You see, God Most High is of an eternal kingdom in the heavens, and humanity broke His covenant, our treaty with Him – like if a modern nation breaks a peace treaty with another nation, and in so doing forfeits peace between the two nations, causing war to ensue. Thus, in so doing, humanity was banished and condemned to eternal death – war with God. But, God did not want it to end that way. So, as a good national sovereign, He came up with terms of peace and reconciliation which is found in the Prince of Peace, even Jesus Christ the one and only begotten Son of the living and God Most High.
Thus, in short, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the peace and goodwill offered to the earth at the first Advent of Christ 2,000 years ago. For this, the second memorial candle is lit during Advent.
And if that were not enough, there is more!
AMBASSADORS OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE IN THE WORLD
Because of the terms of this gospel of peace of Christ’s atoning death and resurrection power, we Christians have been left with a great, ambassadorial responsibility that is threefold – reaching out to those who do not know the Gospel, reaching out to our fellow Christians, and reaching in to our own hearts. This is not about achieving “world peace” and all religions and nations joining together as one. That is too reminiscent of the blasphemous tower of Babel and would be in direct disobedience to what God did at Babel by scattering all people (Genesis 11). God does not want a world united apart from Him wherein unbelievers and believers unite in peace no matter what anyone might optimistically though incorrectly say. Instead, God has created a holy, spiritual nation (Christians) with its people right now in every country of the world, who are united spiritually in Christ, and whose peace is not like what the world gives. And most importantly let us not forget that Jesus said over and over again that everyone would hate Christians for His name sake (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:9; John 15:18-25). That does not sound like a recipe for world peace to me!
Second Corinthians 5 explains, “17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Do you believe that Christ, fully God and fully man, died on the cross for you and then was raised from the dead? Have you accepted the terms of God’s peace treaty to humanity in the death and resurrection of His Son? Then you are a new creation in Christ, and as such have been reconciled to the Most High God.
But notice that it does not end there. As the reconciled, new creatures of God, we are called to carry forth the word of reconciliation and peace as the ambassadors of the eternal and spiritual Kingdom of God to this physical world system. And one more time let me emphasize that Christ’s Kingdom is not physical, but spiritual, and it is for this spiritual Kingdom that we are ambassadors of peace to a world at war with God.
Thus, Jesus commands that we seek God’s empowerment of His Holy Spirit (Mark 16; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 8:13-18; Acts 19:1-6) to go forth boldly with this Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28). As Christians our nation is not an earthly nation. Though we all live in a nation, we must remember that we are the citizens of heaven wherein Jesus is our King, and have been reconciled to our great King, even by His blood and resurrection. We must be ever mindful of our responsibility as Ambassadors to all who do not know Jesus.
PEACE “AMONG” THE AMBASSADORS OF PEACE
But what good is proclaiming peace to the unsaved unless Christians are people of peace among each other? For in all things, in all places, in the world and amongst our fellow Christians we are to be peacemakers, firmly grounded with the shoes of the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). As an ambassadorial family we are to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14), to “…study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). It is not our business to argue, to stir up strife, to wage war, nor to divide, but is always to seek to make peace. This is not about hiding sin nor advocating it, nor tolerating doctrinally unsound, heretical teachings in order to keep the peace. But rather, it is all about keeping peace and pursuing peace among our fellow Christians in matters of opinion and conscience, “19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another…1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 14:19 and 15:1-2). “15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15).
PEACE “INSIDE” THE AMBASSADORS
Furthermore, while in this volatile world extending the peace of the gospel to those who are at war with God and while we continually pursue peace with our own fellow Christians, may we be at peace within our own individual hearts. Jesus said in John 14, “27Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” For, as Psalm 46 states unequivocally, “1God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.2Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah.”
Indeed, think on that…
Though the earth be removed. Though the world be shaken. Though our bank accounts be empty. Though the governments of the nations change. Though wars rage. Though disease ravages. Though famine and hardship and scarcity are rampant. Though worldwide natural disasters skyrocket. Though all hell breaks loose on earth. God is out refuge. God is our strength. God is our Prince of Peace that does not depend on good circumstances, but rules in our hearts in spite of it all — even as a desert rose blooms in dry clods, merciless sun, and severe lack of rain. Thus, we are to “6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4).
He is our guardian of peace, our protective peace, and He is eternally God who does not lie but is faithful to keep His promise (Numbers 23:19; Hebrew 6:13-18). And He is still the same God incarnate come who was asleep in the boat when the demonic storm blew upon the Sea of Galilee. The disciples who were seasoned fishermen who had seen all types of storms, were terrified for their lives. Upon waking Jesus they cried out frantically, “Lord, save us: we perish!” (Matthew 8:25). And our great Prince of Peace arose and rebuked the foul and fearsome wind while also saying to the thrashing sea, “Peace be still!” (Mark 4:39).
This is still our same Jesus, our Prince of Peace. No matter what demonic wind is whipping all around us, no matter what sea is thrashing mercilessly about us on every side, threatening to sink our ship, our Jesus – this same Jesus – is still in the boat! And we will not be greatly moved (Psalm 62:2).
THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST: THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF OUR PRINCE OF PEACE
Along with the extension of God’s peace treaty of the first Advent through Jesus Christ out Lord and along with our commissioning as Ambassadors of this same Gospel of peace to a world at war with God and of our call to peace in our own hearts as well as among our own brothers and sisters in Christ in all things, comes the incredible promise of the second Advent of Christ – His return as King of kings and Lord of lords. As Daniel 2 proclaims, “44And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” And God reveals in Daniel 7, “13I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.14And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed…” For indeed, in spite of an evil, satanic government and vile leadership that shall arise, the Prince of Peace shall prevail. As Daniel 7 continues, though antichrist “25 … shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” This is often referred to as the Millennial reign of Christ.
For one day, soon and very soon, God promises, “ 1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” And again, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
CONCLUSION
So, as we continue this week and beyond to reflect upon the second candle of Advent representing the protective peace of our Prince of Peace, may our hearts hold fast to the Gospel of peace that has made us new creations in Christ. Then, secondly may peace rule in our own personal heart, and may peace be the environment of fellow believers as we tirelessly pursue peace amongst ourselves, refusing to personally be moved by the evil winds that are shredding this world. May we take seriously our responsibility as Ambassadors of God’s terms of the Gospel of peace to a world at war with Him, and without hesitation present Jesus to them as the One who will reconcile them back to God Most High.
Remember, this is not about calling or hoping for “world peace” nor for all religions to unite nor for all nations to come together like at the tower of Babel. No. Instead, when all are saying “peace and safety/security” then sudden destruction will come upon them (1 Thessalonians 5). And on top of this “sudden destruction”, there is the undeniable fact that Jesus said all nations just before His return would hate Christians for His name’s sake (Matthew 24:9). In other words, there will be no world peace, for those who love this world are at enmity with God. (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). Thus, the peace of God that is extended to each individual of this earth is that of His eternal Son Jesus Christ who took on human flesh, became the humblest of servants, took our sins upon Himself as He died the humiliating death of the cross, and then rose again victorious over death and hell. This is the Gospel of peace offered by God. Anything else is counterfeit.
And last but not least, while looking back on the first advent of Christ may we also look ahead to the glorious and eternal Kingdom of the Prince of Peace who shall reign forever and ever. Amen. For our peace is found in Christ’s first Advent promise of reconciliation with God, and in the promise of the eternal peace of the second Advent that is near, even at the door! “…the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17). Indeed, Jesus our Prince of Peace is coming soon! Let’s be ready!
Today is the lighting of the first candle of Advent. Though I am in no way a Catholic (which is non-Christian), nor am I apart of a Christian denomination like Christian Reformed nor Lutheran, and have never celebrated Advent nor am interested in man-made traditions, something touched my heart today regarding the Biblical and profound meaning behind the first Advent candle. The meaning has nothing to do with anything man-made nor with empty tradition, for upon reflection, this candle is all about the indescribable hope of the first coming of Christ and the incredible, undying, relentless hope of Jesus’ soon return.
Hebrews chapter 11 speaks of the indefatigable faithful hope of the Old Testament saints like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and nameless others who though persecuted heavily, killed mercilessly, and who also lived through countless miracles, looked forward with undimmed eyes to behold the glory of the hope of God incarnate come – Emmanuel, God with us. They pressed on fervently and purposefully, with relentless hope that God would fulfill His promise to be their Salvation.
And then… in a breathless, indescribable moment, a hushed and incredibly powerful moment… He came! The One for whom all prophets and kings and saints of old had longed had indeed come. And the light of the world shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend Him (John 1). But, He had not come as a physically conquering king who would set up a worldwide tangible kingdom. Rather, He came as the Lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), “…despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:3-7).
And His kingdom was and still is not of this world, as Jesus said to Pilate in Matthew 18:36, ““My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”” This same Jesus clarified further in Luke 17:21 when He said, ““The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21nor will they say,‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” And Christ’s kingdom is still within us and not of this world. And our citizenship is in heaven with Christ our heavenly King, and we are His ambassadors here on earth. Don’t let anyone fool you into believing anything else!!
This was the first advent – God incarnate come as spiritual Savior of a spiritual kingdom for a spiritual people with a relentless hope.
But there is yet a promise and a hope of a second Advent which is twofold – the blessed hope of Christ’s soon return for His Bride and that of His Millennial reign.
Jesus says in John 14, “1“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”” And He is coming for a Bride washed by the water of the word Ephesians 5), without spot and without wrinkle, whom He will one day aggressively take to His side (as the word “receive you to Myself” implies), even snatching the Bride away to Himself. “16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4). For “50…flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15).
For the blessed hope is not simply to be snatched away to into the presence of our great King Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17), but that He also will set His foot upon the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4), rule the nations with an iron scepter (Revelation 2:27), and then give the kingdom back to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24).
Daniel 7 states, “13“I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. 14Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7). Even so, Psalm 96 proclaims, “10Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns; The world also is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.” 11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice 13before the Lord. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.”
“24Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15). For truly, according to Revelation 20, “6Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
As the first candle of Advent is lit in some of your churches this holiday season, may we reflect upon this – that just as Messiah came the first time as the hope of the prophets and saints of old, the hope of the world (Matthew 12:21), and lay down His life for us as the Lamb of God and a ransom for many (Mark 10:45), He is coming again soon, a second time. Only instead of being the sacrificial Lamb, He is returning as the King of king and Lord of lords, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. This is indeed our present, blessed Hope, as Titus 2:13-14 boldly states, “…13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
Thus, while we are presently hoping in our soon returning Christ, may we truly be a people “zealous for good works”, for we are His workmanship created for good works in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). What are these good works? Jesus says, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. 12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:10-14). These good works begin and end with love – loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving our fellow Christians tenderly and selflessly as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, for “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35).
All those prophets, priests, kings and saints who looked ahead to Christ’s first Advent coupled with Christians who both looked backward to Christ’s first and forward to Christ’s second Advent compose an all-encompassing great cloud of witnesses, whose testimonies beckon us ever forward like a roaring crowd at the end of a long and exhausting marathon. “1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12).
Are you running your spiritual race with purpose? When you are afflicted, when life is dark, when evil surrounds you, when all hope seems gone…. Is your hope relentless? Are you focusing on and hoping in Jesus and no other?
Hebrews 12 expresses the power of inexhaustible hope that against all odds prevails because we are “looking unto Jesus”, and holding steadfast in our minds and hearts the treasured remembrance that Christ Himself endured the cross for the sake of the hope of great joy on the other side of the pain.
Are you enduring with hope today? Are you looking unto Jesus? May you this Advent season strengthen yourself in the LORD your God, even as David did (1 Samuel 30:6), and stir up some hope in your souls. For we have been begotten by God “3…again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”
This truly is our blessed hope! Jesus is coming soon! Let’s be ready!!
HolyLight Ministries 
