Comfort and Joy

Last Sunday at church, Joe was preaching on the subject of Advent and the anticipation of the birth of Christ. He segued into his thoughts about the anticipation of the return of Christ to the earth. The birth of Christ was highly anticipated and, apart from Herod and his cronies, maybe many looked forward to it with hope and joy. Not fear. Luke 2 tells us that the angel appeared to the shepherds and said, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."

When Christ comes again, though, it has not been described as an event to look to with anticipation. There will be no great joy, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, I've been told. Fear the Lord, keep His commandments. Is your life right with God? Where will you spend eternity? I've looked to Christ's return to the earth with fear. I daresay I am not alone here.

Joe told church on Sunday, look to the return of Christ with comfort. Look to the return of Christ with peace in your heart. It's gonna be a good thing. Not a good thing like, yee-haw, we're all saved and all of you are not! A good thing because He will bring comfort to a world that knows too well the sorrows of discomfort. Peace will come with Christ. Suffering will cease. Joy will abound.

Sunday, December 10, 2006, was the first time in my Christian life that someone dared to suggest that we look to the return of Christ in the same manner in which the shepherds and wisemen looked to His birth. Talk about a paradigm shift. Comfort and joy? Like the angel said, Do not be afraid. It has been a very long time since I have been so struck by someone's words.

Thank you Joe for you boldness, for your wisdom, for your peace, comfort, and joy.