November 29
Tim Leary, Director of Grad Student Ministries
We just had a great virtual missions conference and maybe our most unusual zoom Thanksgiving; now we turn our eyes toward Christmas. As a way to prepare ourselves for this Gospel moment, we celebrate Advent.
The first reading in our devotional is about the end of times. If you are like me, you may wonder “How does this relate to Jesus’ birth?” Traditionally in the season of Advent, we practice waiting to celebrate Jesus’ birth; but it also reminds us that we are still waiting for Jesus’ second coming. Why is learning to wait important? So we are not asleep when Jesus returns. We are standing watch and faithfully following Him.
Did you know in China (when I lived there 15 years ago), the government allows churches to preach about many parts of the Gospel—Jesus’ birth, death, his great commission, baptism for forgiveness of sins, repentance of sins. But the state-run churches are not allowed to teach about the second coming of Jesus. Why is the second coming such a threat? If we think about Jesus’ return, it becomes clear our allegiance is with Jesus, not any country or its government.
Let us take time to think about Jesus’ second coming and what that will be like. Imagine the heavens opening and the Son of Man riding upon the clouds descending to render judgment upon the nations and to renew all things. Think deeply about the new heavens and the new earth. Contemplate what it shall be like having the Lord in all of his glory dwelling in our midst, fully without veil. Meditate on a world without sin, death, mourning, darkness, pain, nor tears. Listen to the thunderous songs of the heavenly hosts proclaiming the goodness of the Lord without ceasing. How does this change the way we prioritize and live out our everyday? Let’s be ready.