For children of all ages, the waiting game in on as they anxiously await the coming of Ole St. Nick on December 25. On Christmas eve, preparations are made as cookies and milk are left out around the tree. Kids are excited as they bounce out of bed Christmas morning to see if “He” came.
As Christians, we too are involved in our own waiting game. Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself” (John 14:2-3). Jesus is coming back, but when? We know the day Christmas arrives, but for Christ’s return He said, “Be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:41). Jesus gave us only one warning, to “Be on the alert,” that His return will be on a day we do not expect him, and on an hour that we do not know (Matt. 24:50).
Do not be thinking that you will have time to prepare for Christ’s return like you do in getting your last-minute Christmas shopping done. You will not. You must be faithful now, at the very moment of the Trumpet sound! The foolish virgins were not given time to go purchase oil, but rather the bridegroom came and “The door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). If Jesus came tonight, would you be ready?
-Dennis Doughty
