Saturday, December 13, 2014
Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
HE COMES TO GATHER HIS PEOPLE
ADVENT means COMING. Thus during the season of Advent we prepare for the celebration of Christ's first coming in humility while also preparing for His Second Coming in glory. Today we are reminded that He is coming again in glory to gather His people to Himself for eternal life.
CHRIST is coming again. While His appearing will cause consternation and terror for many, those who trust in Him will look up with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. We do not fear His coming to judge for we are already declared "not guilty" by faith in Christ. We rejoice to see that day because He comes to gather us to Himself.
CHRIST is coming for me because He loves me. He lived for me. He died for me. He rose for me. He ascended to prepare a place for me. He has promised to come again to raise my body from death and glorify my earthly body preparing it for life eternal.
Christ is coming and when He does the souls of those who believe will return with Him. Christ is coming and we will depart with Him in everlasting joy and gladness. Sorrow and singing, death and pain will be forever absent.
CHRIST who came in humility to save will come again in glory to judge, and He will gather all those who wait for Him.
Jesus comes on clouds triumphant when the heavens shall pass away;
Jesus comes again in glory. Let us, then, our homage pay,
Alleluia! Ever singing till the dawn of endless day.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 56:5)
