Advent and Christ’s Return

Hope is in short supply these days.  As America’s political climate sours and our economy stagnates, discouragement and negativity seem to be the companion of many!  But this doesn’t have to be.   God is inviting us to place our hope and confidence in Him and not in man.  When we do that our hope will increase, even while we live in a world that seems so barren of that rare commodity.

The Bible promises us a ‘blessed hope.’  In Titus we read that “the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people.”  This grace is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  When we look to Him it “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior  Jesus Christ.”  (Titus 2:11-13)

God has only one way to direct our hearts from fear, anxiety, depression and despair in this fallen world.  As we live our lives in a world that is filled with sin and injustice, God is inviting us to place our confidence and faith in Jesus, who will one day return and set everything right.  It is through Him we can discover the abundant life here and now and it is through Him we can look to the future with a certainty and hope.  It is that hope that becomes the fuel for our joy, happiness and well being.

As we celebrate this Christmas and the Advent season, let us remember this hope we have in Christ.  Yes Jesus came as a babe in a manger!  But let us remember that one day He will come again to bring justice on earth and salvation to all who believe.  One day He will set all things right and show us His glory.  So don’t let the condition of the world drive you towards fear and despondency, but allow the promise of His advent and coming turn your heart towards worship and celebration in Jesus’ name.