Waiting For Something Greater
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, croons Andy Williams from my phone’s speaker. A few feet away, a red holiday candle flickers, creating a cozy atmosphere. My eight foot artificial Christmas tree glows with softly twinkling white lights and my imperfect DIY’d ornaments are nestled perfectly in the branches. Underneath, a homemade wooden nativity sits that once belonged to my great grandmother, and a few gifts have been scattered around it. I’m reminded that I really should start wrapping the rest of them so I’m not stressed about it later, but I’m comfortable to sit, with a (Christmas printed) blanket drawn over my lap.
Moments like these perfectly captures the atmosphere and nostalgia of Christmas, but the rest of the holiday season probably won’t feel this perfect. The decorations and traditions can ultimately even feel empty. After all, there are so many evils in our world; we experience the devastation of sin every day. Christmas Day can feel insignificant in the midst of all the trouble.
The Gospel at Christmas
During the Christmas season we celebrate that Jesus’ humble birth. We might even connect Christmas to Easter, seeing the Gospel in full where we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. While these events have already happened, they certainly still impact our lives today. Yet I’m reminded that just as Jesus Christ came to this earth 2,000 years ago, he is coming again—and this should be just as hopeful and joyous to Christians.
Jesus Brings Hope
Our world has much evil. The effects of sin are horrible, and have touched each one of us. No amount of Christmas spirit can fully cancel out war, death, betrayal, or destruction, no matter what the Christmas movies say. Our Christmas hope is not in merely acknowledging a Christian holiday; our hope is grounded firmly in the Gospel. Additionally, our hope is that Jesus will return again! He will gather believers to Him in what’s called the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Eventually, after a seven year tribulation period, Christ will again come to earth to defeat His adversary and reign. Each time that Jesus Christ descends to earth, he has brought or will bring hope. We are to be ready for his returning, though we do not know when it will be (Matthew 24:36, 42). Our attitude should be expectant and eager (Hebrews 9:28).
Anticipate His Return
This is why the hope of Christmas is meaningful, and so much more than a celebration of a birthday. Some people participate in advent activities or devotionals as a way to countdown to Christmas day while refocusing and preparing one’s heart. But are we anticipating his return? Just as we thank and praise God for sending Jesus Christ to be born, we need to be expectantly waiting for His return. We can praise and thank God that our Savior is coming again. Our trials on earth will end. Jesus Christ will ultimately have the victory!
Let your perspective be eternal this Christmas. Set your mind on things above (Colossians 1:1-4). Jesus Christ is born, hallelujah! And He will return. Thank you, God, for this expectant hope!
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
