by Linda Veath Cox
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ …
~ Titus 2:11-13 NIV
The season of Advent is upon us. That holy season of the church year leading to Christmas. A time to come apart from the frantic, worldly preparations for the “holidays.” A time to prepare instead for the coming of Christ.
Over two thousand years ago Jesus Christ came to this earth in human flesh as a baby to be our Savior. He lived the perfect life so that He could be the perfect sacrifice—dying in our place—so that we can spend eternity with Him. So during Advent …
… we remember Christmas past.
Just as we remember Christ’s first coming, we also look forward to His second coming. While He came as Savior the first time, He will come as Judge the second time. To call His children home to eternal life and to judge those who refused to be called the children of God. We don’t know when that will happen. But we know this for sure—Christ will come again. So during Advent …
… we look forward to Christmas future.
Until that time comes, we live in the in between time. Looking back with thanksgiving and looking forward with hope and anticipation. Keeping Christ always at the center of our Christmas activities. But also rejoicing at what He is doing in our hearts and lives every day of the year as we read His Word, worship Him, pray to Him, and serve Him. So during Advent …
… we celebrate and live in Christmas present.
As we journey through the season of Advent this year, may we thank the Lord for the first Christmas here on earth, may we anticipate His eternal Christmas in heaven, and may we celebrate all the Christmases in between to His honor and glory.