"If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also... You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I. Now I have told you before it happens so that when it happens, you may believe."
-John 14: 3, 28 - 29
The birth of Jesus changed everything! The most important event in history (apart from His death and resurrection), yet there were so many who missed it. So many scribes and teachers who knew a savior was coming, but when God's redemptive plan walked among them in the flesh they did not believe. (John 8:12-58) They knew the scriptures, but they did not know the author.
Now Simeon, Anna, and the Magi are a different story. (see Luke 2:22-38 and Matthew 2:1-12) What makes them so different? Through devotion and watchful anticipation they were able to recognize the the arrival of the Messiah and fulfillment of God's Word. Hundreds of prophesies foretold of Him throughout the Old Testament. Jesus' first coming was not a secret. And His return is no different. Jesus tells His disciples clearly in John 14 "I tell you so you will believe when it happens."
We are called to exercise the same devotion and anticipation for His second arrival as those who awaited His first. In our situation this job is both easier and harder. Easier because we have access to the Word of God in its completeness. We have endless resources to help us understand the patterns and prophecies in the Old and New Testament. But harder because this time we cannot know or predict the exact day. Only the Father knows. (Matthew 24:32-42) All the more reason to be vigilant.
The Christmas season is about celebrating the arrival of a wonderful gift to mankind, but the story doesn't end there. He is coming back. So let us rejoice in that truth as well this season. I encourage you today to be watchful of the times, devote yourselves to prayer, and study the word diligently. Just like Simeon, Anna, and the Magi. I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want to be among those caught unprepared.
Thank you for reading! I hope revisiting this short devotion from the Winter 2021 Newsletter encouraged you today. In all seasons, I pray you remain vigilant, anxiously awaiting the return of our Lord.