Tag: second coming
Stripes On Our Door
The next tradition started later, but has really taken off in later years.
The 19th century version of our current Advent Calendar was white chalk marks on the wall. They marked a line for each day counting to 24. A second variation was 24 candles attached to a surface. A new candle for each day. Now we have printed calendars, books, trees, and a million other versions of the same idea.
The purpose is to remember each day that we are in a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas. But it is just as important to remember every day that we are waiting for Christ’s return. In the business of the world, we lose focus. The Advent calendar forces us to stop for a second or a few minutes and think about the coming of the Lord.
This year, if you have an advent calendar, when you open the slot or place an item in the pocket, don’t just think about the first coming. This year focus on the second coming of the Lord.
Jesus said in Mark 13
32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Exercise Questions for your journal
Are you watching for Jesus return?
If Jesus returned to day, do you belong to him?
Would he find you living for Him?
Do you love God more than anything or anyone?
Do you love your fellow Christians as Christ loved them?
Do you love people who might hate you?
Do you see feed the hungry, care for the sick, the poor, the prisoners?
Are you watching for Jesus or are you living as if He will not return?
Waiting in Anticipation
Advent does not represent the Christmas Season. That season starts on Christmas and goes forward for 12 days ending with the Magi’s presenting presents to the newborn king. Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for the promises of God.
Two thousand plus years ago, the Jewish faithful waited for the promised Messiah. Prophecies from hundreds of years before told of a King who would also be a High Priest. This Anointed One, Messiah, would come to rescue the people of Israel.
Decades and centuries passed from the time of the prophesies and doubts edged into the hearts of many. But a few faithful waited never doubting he would come. Many thought the idea of a Messiah was fantasy or wishful thinking. Yet, a few clung to the prophesies and waited for the one promised.
Simeon loved God and believed the prophesies. This man waited for the promised one. Simeon differed from others of his time in one way. The Holy Spirit promised this righteous man that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Simeon waited assured that before he died he would see the answer to the countless prophecies.
One morning, the Holy Spirit led Simeon to the temple. And there at the temple he saw a man and woman holding a newborn baby.
He walked towards them asking to hold their child. Taking the baby,Simeon knew he held the promised one. He lifted the child and praised God.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2: 29-32
Simeon had 
prepared his heart for the day of the Messiah through prayer and living for the Lord. He desired to see the one promised and God honored that desire. Today, we spend Advent thinking about Jesus’ first arrival. We study the prophesy fulfilled by his birth.
But this should also be a time of contemplation and prayer regarding His second coming. Spend time searching your heart to determine if you are ready for His second coming.
Luke 21:27-28
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Exercises
How do you think you should spend this time of preparing for Christmas?
Are you anxiously waiting for His return?
Suggested Activity for the season: Each morning of this Advent season, lift your head to heaven and pray the last words of Revelation 22:20
Even so, come, Lord Jesus
Fourth Day Adventures 