Zechariah 1:7-17
Psalms 41, 44, 52
Revelations 3:7-13
Matthew 24:15-31
Matthew 24:15-31
The gospel reading for today is a good reminder that as we ponder with amazement the first coming of Christ, there is more to come. He came as a baby, and grew up to sacrifice Himself for our sins. He has provided salvation for those who trust in Him. Now we wait for Him to come back once again, in glory to redeem His people of faith.
Jesus warns that while we wait, we will encounter deception concerning His return. We can be prepared by seeking revelation from His word, and being careful not to accept someone else’s interpretation too quickly. However God chooses to make the details of these events come to pass, they will result in believers joining Him for eternity.
As we joyfully consider Christ’s birth and the joy that that brings, there is also a little sadness. We know that we are separated from loved ones we wish we could be celebrating with. This gospel message brings hope. There will be a time when we will see Christ face to face. We will also see our loved ones with Him. That will be a glorious celebration indeed.
“…they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matthew 24: 30-31, KJV).
Suzannah Westlake