Meditation – Waiting for Christ or Christmas?
by Patrick Jason
We’re tired from work, and looking forward to the Christmas break. We’re eagerly waiting to spend time with our loved ones, hop on that long overdue trip, finally go on that special date, or even celebrate our long- awaited wedding. But are we also looking forward to Christ’s return? Or do we long for Christmas more than Christ Himself?
Like the days before the flood, many are busy eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage – or have plans to do such things (Luke 17:26-30). The Day of the Lord will be a great day for those waiting for Him, and a terrible day for those who aren’t.
Many of us have forgotten that Christ may return at any time – Indeed, perhaps before you finish reading this article – because we’re so absorbed the world’s cares of work, recreational amusements and the endless list of family, friends, and church commitments.
In our affluent society, it is natural to be comfortable with our world, and forget about Christ’s return. We’re easily thorned and choked by our cares of the world and pursuit of earthly riches, making us unfruitful (Matthew 13:22). Many of us have prepared the Christmas tree, Christmas presents, the Christmas trip away – but have we prepared our hearts for Christ’s return? Are we hastening Christ’s return? Do we pray for His kingdom to come? (2 Peter 3:12; Matthew 6:10).
From three different parables on His return, Jesus has one word for us: Watch. Watch, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Watch, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Watch, lest the Master finds you in your sin, cuts you in two, and appoints your portion with the hypocrites, where there’ll be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Watch, lest you hear the Master replying to you: ‘I do not know you.’
These hard but loving warnings come from our Lord Jesus who died to secure your souls. Watch, be ready for his return. Watch as a homeowner waiting for the thief to come. Watch as an obedient slave, fully expecting the Master’s imminent return. Prepare your hearts for Christ as a virgin prepares herself for her bridegroom (Matthew 24:36 – 25:13). Let’s ask ourselves, and repent where needed and take encouragement where possible:
- Am I earnestly pleading with unbelievers to be reconciled to God, knowing that the only reason Christ hasn't yet returned is so no-one should perish, but all reach repentance? (2 Peter 3:9)
- Am I cutting off the hand and foot that temps, and putting to death my sinful nature so Christ will find me wearing wedding clothes when entering His wedding banquet, without spot or blemish? (Colossians 3:5; Mark 9:43-45; Matthew 22:11, 2 Peter 3:14)
- Am I longing for Christ to deliver us from this body of death, and give us a incorruptible body, free of sin or sickenss? (Romans 7:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:42)
- Have I thought the Lord might come on this very day?
On Christmas, we rightly celebrate Christ’s first coming to deal with sin and offer Himself to bear the sins of many. Now let us eagerly wait for His return (Hebrews 9:28).
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Patrick Jason
Courtesy of the AP Online https://ap.org.au/