Good evening: Does Thanksgiving Day seem like a month-old newspaper at the bottom of the waste basket? There was the usual buildup to the day, but then no sooner had the leftover turkey been put in the fridge than attention shifted to the next big thing, Black Friday and other preparations for Christmas. The world is always rushing ahead to the next big thing. Have you wondered why? It’s because nothing, no matter how big it is, completely satisfies. Thanksgiving Day with time for food and family is a blessing, but what happens when the meal is over and everyone goes home? What’s left? It’s exciting to look ahead to exchanging gifts, parties, and quality time with family. But that too doesn’t satisfy the heart completely or over the long-term. In its rush to get to the next big thing, the world misses the truly big thing God says is coming. Enoch spoke of it early in the Old Testament: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone” (Jude 14). Jesus says that all people “will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory” (Lk. 21:27). No future event is greater. Jesus will come in His glory, judge all people, and bring the present creation to a fiery end. The season of Advent is a time to get ready for Jesus, not just as the Baby of Bethlehem, but as the Lord of all. While we look forward to Christmas, the Lord’s coming on the last day is an even bigger event to anticipate. It will mean finally receiving and enjoying everything Jesus earned for us on the cross. He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, raise us with glorified bodies, and welcome us into the wonders of eternal life in heaven. That day could arrive at any moment. Now is the time to get ready. “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2). May the Holy Spirit through your reading and meditation on the Word, bless your preparations this weekend, our time with the Lord Sunday and throughout this Advent season. Yours in Christ, Pastor Church decorating tomorrow (Saturday): Come and join the activity committee tomorrow morning at 9:00 to trim the tree and decorate the church for Christmas. Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m., and adult Bible class is at 9:30 a.m. Greeter meeting: A short meeting will be held Sunday at 9:15 a.m. for those interested in helping to welcome both members and visitors to our services. Sermon podcasts: In addition to our usual online streaming of services, sermons are now available as podcasts. Search for Messiah HC sermons on Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, etc. Or go to the podcast app of your choice, copy and paste: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1891821.rss
