It's starting...

I'm never quite sure if I'm a fan of Christmas or not. On the one hand I really enjoy the parties, the presents and the special atmosphere - but on the other hand I'm not sure I enjoy the way Christianity is being warped and changed to fit into this 'happy time'. One example for me is the way Christmas cards presents Jesus' birth as this romantic, cozy scene in a manger while totally missing the point. This is after all the start of God's humble service to us when the King of creation is born into a shed with only an animal's feeding troth as a cot.

Although we can get in wrong over Christmas it really is a happy time - but for completely different reasons than we might think. Jesus' life started in a manger and ended on a cross - suffering and dying to pay for our sins. So it is the season to be jolly but for the ugly bussiness of our sins being delt with by his death... and resurrection.

And for this reason we want to celebrate this time of year - in eager expectation of the Jesus' return. Advent, as it is known throughout the Western church is a season to rejoice in Jesus' second coming. This time he won't be found in a humble manger but he will come on the clouds, visible to all in his beauty and glory and power.

So, until the 24th of December I'm going to help you to focus on and rejoice in the fact that Jesus is coming again.

Bible
Jesus said: "For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." Matthew 24:27

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to be ready, to be prepared and to be excited about your second coming. Help us especially to see you as you now are - not a incapable baby in a troth, but the Allmighty Creator of heaven and earth whom has placed his love on us, ready to take us to be with him. Amen

Warm Regards
Kruger