A moment will pass and the world will be engrossed in the Christmas spirit. The celebration of the Lord’s birth is precious to us. The Lamb of God; the incarnate God; the Savior of the world. It is important for us to take time and recount the wonder of it all. Yet upon study, I wonder if the early church took as much notice as we do? I believe they were already looking for the Lord’s return. He had promised He would come again, John 14, but the times were unknown. Perhaps they were more concerned with His second coming than they were with His first coming.
Paul writes from an eager heart: 2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
John is stranded on a prison island when he pens these words: Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
We will rejoice at His virgin birth. It is proper to remember the reason Jesus came. However, there is a stirring in my soul when I consider the end of the Church Age and His coming. I grew up singing, “Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.” “When we all get to Heaven what a day of rejoicing there will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory.”
So “yes” I am happy about the season, but there is a shaking in this world that makes me know; The Lord is coming very soon! We cannot afford to relax or fall prey to the pleasures of this life. We must be ready when the Trumpet sounds. Jesus spoke of it when He described the wise and foolish virgins. The Bridegroom cometh! Half were lost because they allowed the oil to run dry. They paused in preparation and were found wanting upon his return.
I feel the Holy Ghost beckoning the church to keep our eyes on the prize. Our purpose is to reach souls, regardless of the season. Baptisms of water and Spirit are always in order. Praise and Worship should not strive to find a place among tradition. There is a divine call for the Saints to be aware, awake, and altogether prepared for that Great Day of the Lord.
It seems more appropriate to speak of family and friends; of giving and fellowship. But I am hungry for a revival that spans the year and envelops our regular customs. If there is a concert, let it be to introduce a new soul to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If there is a dinner, let it be to plant a seed of love that leads to redemption. This is the mission of the season.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole