Schools are finishing their long Winter Terms, with parties, special Christmas events, and Christmas dinners. Children of all ages are getting ready, with eager anticipation.
As we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus, so we are also looking to his second coming. And that is coming one day. While we don't know when that 'one day' will be, that Day is 2000 years sooner than it was in Jesus' day.
Jesus warned his followers to be ready for this Great Day - when he returns to judge the world. ' “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21.34-36)
In this season, when many only think of Christmas parties, with too much food and drink, we do well to mark carefully Jesus' words.
In case we fall the lie about being able to work out when exactly this Great Day might be, Jesus speaks very clearly about his own ignorance. '“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!' (Mark 13.32-33)
For all of us, today provides an opportunity to stay alert for the promptings of Jesus, so that we are ready to speak and act, moment by moment, in the light of his will and way. That provides a wonderful antidote to the relentless drivenness of many in our culture.
And please keep praying that all of our Christmas events will point people to Jesus.
Best wishes,
Richard
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