Hope

The Arrival

It’s Christmas – a time when families and friends gather together to celebrate. Hopefully, the occasions are marked with remembrances of Christ’s birth. However, even the most secular amongst us often view this time as an opportunity to join with those that they love dear. They might not recognize the reason for the celebrations, but celebrate they do just the same.

I think its appropriate that as when remember Christ’s first arrival on this Earth that we remember that our anticipation should be for His return. I was struck recently by one of the most common passages in Scripture, John 3:16. This verse tells of the coming of the Heavenly Son, sent as a babe to visit His Creation The subsequent verse tell us the purpose of this visit. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him”. (v. 17). Christ’s arrival was a visit prompted by love seeking reconciliation.

I think its a motive we can all relate to. How many of us have arrived at our holiday celebrations longing to see again those that we love? How many have arrived seeking restoration? We know what its like to be separated; the holidays remind us of what it is to be together.

The noteworthy thing is that this was the purpose of Christ’s first visit. The purpose of His second is much different. The Son’s initial arrival was a demonstration of His love, upon His return Christ will be here to judge. His first visit was not about condemnation, but in the second all will be acknowledged before Him. “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written:
” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.” – Romans 14:10b-11

As we celebrate His first arrival, let us not neglect to anticipate His second. And to make sure that our response to each is the same.

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Hope

The Season of Change

December was supposed to be my month. November hadn’t turned out so great, and embracing the idea of positive self-talk, I had convinced myself that December would be better. Quite literally, I counted down the days until the new month began. And then it did. And things continued their tailspin.

Now before anyone gets too worried, none of my life’s trials are currently that bad. There are people who are going through much worse. I recognize this and I’m grateful that my biggest personal concern is that I haven’t had half of my electricity for the better part of the month. Yet giving mental assent to this fact hasn’t helped my attitude much in the last few days. I beat. And I’m tired. And quite frankly, I want someone to rescue me.

But no one has. And in fact, several people have offered to help, but there’s nothing they can do. It’s surprising – for a girl who never asks for assistance – in the rare case that I would actually accept it, I have to do it on my own. No one can climb the incline for me.

And I think some times are just like that. Like Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no-good very bad day, we have to recognize that every life has its seasons. Some are worse than others, some are better. I think I tend to hover around autumn – not too hot, not too cold, but always filled with change. I don’t experience the majesty of spring or the destitution of winter, and somehow it all evens out for me in the end. Knowing that I know the One who causes every wind to blow and every leaf to fall, helps make autumn sustainable. After all, even a sparrow doesn’t stumble without Him being aware.

Alexander wanted to move to Australia. I can certainly understand that feeling. But Australia has its autumns too. And at least if I’m in autumn, I can always look forward to the eternal Spring.

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