While they [the disciples] watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:9-11.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.
By the time you are reading this, Christmas Day will be approximately a month past. So why, you are asking, am I saying that Christmas, now past, is coming soon?
Let’s consider what Christmas is. When Jesus was born, we are told by the prophets and angels alike that the Son of God, whom shall be named Jesus, will come to earth, and visit humankind to fulfill a mission of salvation. He was born exactly as the prophets of old and the angelic messengers foretold.
Now today, the world has chosen this time period to celebrate Christmas. As Christians, disciples who follow Jesus, we designate this day as a day to give thanks for His birth and ultimately His mission of salvation. Most of us realize that He wasn’t born on this day, but through history, we have maintained the tradition.
Now the world for the most part, especially unbelievers, do not worship His birth or His mission of salvation, but rather are enamored with the idea that this is a time to celebrate love with one another and especially in a commercial way, without recognition of the Gift of Love that was given.
The world emulates the gift-giving wisemen, most often not realizing they came approximately two-years after Jesus’ birth, but that doesn’t interfere with the giving of “precious” gifts to one another. Of course, the business world has jumped upon this tradition and actually base the majority of their commercial success on this small window of opportunity.
Families gather together, have joyful reunions, exchange stories and gifts, attend happy galas set aside for just this time of year, most often oblivious to the reason (or downright rejecting the reason) for this seasonal celebration.
Not so with true Christians. Not so with those who are part of Christ’s Church and a part of Jesus’ soon-to-be Bride. We look forward with anticipation for the return arrival of the eternal Messiah, our Bridegroom and our Redeemer. No longer a helpless baby in swaddling pieces of cloth, but Sovereign Lord, King of kings and Lord of lords!
We know, that no matter the date or day, this will be TRUE Christmas for all believers, those dearly departed and those alive and awake and ever vigilant for the adult Bridegroom. There will be a grand and glorious reunion with loved ones known and even those we don’t know personally. For our family has been enlarged by the grace and mercy of the Almighty Father!
There will be a banquet unlike anything ever imagined, with no lack of rejoicing, singing, praising and giving thanks. My heart leaps even now with just the little bit that my mind can imagine.
Yes, there will be gifts exchanged also. Rewards given for works well-done out of love, selflessness and obedience. There will be crowns placed at the feet of the Bridegroom in honor of all that He did for His Bride! Oh yes indeed! This world cannot even begin to imagine the Christmas we are about to have, if we are reading the prophetic signs correctly.
It is like our Beloved left us signposts along the way, clues and hints that He is on His way and all we have to do is be vigilant and alert to His soon arrival. Oh, brothers and sisters, to celebrate Christmas in its truest sense, in its purest form, what an eternal joy that is going to be.
We won’t just be one with our Bridegroom, we shall be one with the Father because of the Bridegroom. I could go on and on about the spiritual blessings awaiting us and even then it would be a drop in a large bucket. It wouldn’t even make a dent in the tip of an iceberg what our Lord has in store for those who are awaiting Him and expecting Him!
It is no wonder that the angelic hosts sang out, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” – Luke 2:14. I love the way the NIV says it, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Peace to those who have favor with the Father! What a thought, what a blessing! What joy fills the heart who is basking in that blessing even now!
Can you now see why I say Christmas is coming soon? Can you feel the excitement in the air around us, the exhilaration and joy at the expectation of His soon return? If you cannot, I beg of you, dear friend, get by yourself and cry out to the God that already knows you and knows your heart. Cry out to the Father that will most assuredly answer your plea and I guarantee you, you will not miss this great Christmas celebration that is soon coming.
Look to the sky, look to the clouds for the Word says our redemption is getting close (Luke 21:27-28). Keep your eyes peeled and your heart expectant, for when He comes, it will be like He first left, the only difference is that He will remain in the clouds and we, His Bride shall ascend out of view of the rest of the world until the seven years on earth is past and He places His feet on the Mount of Olives once again!
In the meantime, Christmas is coming. No need for decorations except within our hearts. He is bringing His gifts with Him and we are soon, going home! Glory to God! Amen and AMEN! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 