Dear People Living in Faith:
In the month of December when children are little, conversations often turn to Santa Claus and if a boy or girl has been a “good enough” boy or girl to get gifts or if one might expect to get coal instead of presents. Perhaps you were a child who feared that you might be getting coal for Christmas. Perhaps there was a bit of fear that you had not really been “good enough” to get presents that year.
More recently, the shift has turned from the age-old question of “Will I get coal for Christmas?” to the watchful eye of that judgey, moralistic “Elf on the Shelf” who is allegedly keeping a spying eye on children to report any infractions to Santa. The fear that a child isn’t “good enough” seems to be increasing. But a Christian’s concern is not about Santa Claus, nor is it about the so-called Elf on the Shelf. Since these are not real, their opinions don’t matter. But the eternal and all-powerful Lord God is real, and He has told you in His Holy Word that you should be ready for His return. And this has nothing to do with coal or gifts, but has everything to do with His faithfulness and grace for you.
As the Church enters the season of eager expectation known as Advent (which means: Coming), we are waiting and watching for the return of Christ. Scripture is clear that our Lord comes to judge the world. Jesus has words of preparation for His Church in St. Matthew, chapter 25, and part of that chapter was read on the Last Sunday in Church Year. But when Jesus returns, what does that actually mean for the Church? Should we fear His return, or should we eagerly anticipate it? As we live by faith, we look forward to the return of Christ, not in fear but in eager expectation. For Christians, our Lord’s return this is the coming of our King. The readings of the Advent season look forward to the presence of Jesus with joy. We pray along with the psalmist in Psalm 24 that the gates be opened and lifted up as Jesus comes for our salvation. There is comfort for God’s people in Jesus’ Return.
This season of Advent bears the Latin title “Advent” which, as I said above, simply means “coming.” Each year, the Church celebrates the coming of Jesus, not only as the Baby of Bethlehem in the manger at Christmas, but when He comes at the end of time in glory. Instead of the Church warning children about coal in their Christmas stockings or looking at the ever-watchful spying Elf on the Shelf, the Church speaks to Christians and non-Christians alike, speaking the absolute truth that, “Jesus is coming. Now – this day – is the time to repent and believe.” Jesus is real – and He is really returning to judge the living and the dead.
So repent (that is, turn from sin) and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ. Do not merely do this to avoid judgement or punishment, but do this to receive the gifts of Christ. Your Lord loves you such that He took on flesh, and was born for you. God in the flesh died for you and rose from the dead for you and He is coming again, having been judged in your place on the Cross, so that He might receive all those believe in Him into His Kingdom to live with Him in righteousness and blessedness forever. This is the love of Jesus for His people, and so this is the love of Jesus for you. Do not be afraid of His coming judgment, but rather, life up your heads with joy at His return, and believe in the promises of God for you.
As the radio plays songs about getting ready for Christmas and ready for Santa, most importantly turn your attention to the return of Christ. He is coming for you, not in a sleigh or with presents under a tree, but with the greatest present: the gift of eternal life with Him. Be ready for Jesus, because He is coming for you, one of those He so dearly loves!
I hope to see you in God’s House this Advent, Christmas, and beyond!
In Christ’s peace,
Pastor Steven Anderson