Anticipation
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Earlier this year my family and I were in San Diego when a large aircraft carrier returned home from its tour of duty. As we watched the local television news, we saw the wife of a navy sailor waiting for her husband to disembark. It had been a long sea voyage. She stood there with eager, almost unbearable, anticipation as she waited to see her husband face to face.
In 1 Corinthians 13:12 Paul says that one day "we shall see face to face." In other words, the day is coming when Christ will return and we will see him face to face. On that day our faith will become sight, our hopes will be realized, and we will know the fullness of God's love. In the meantime we wait in eager anticipation and longing for the Lord's return.
During this Advent season we look forward with anticipation to celebrating God's great gift of love to us at Christmas. What's more, Advent is also a season in which we look ahead to the day when Christ comes again and makes all things new (Revelation 21:1-5).
Sometimes we get so caught up in this world that we don't look forward with eagerness to the Lord's second coming. This month, as we look forward to celebrating Christmas, may we also anticipate with joy the day when Christ will return and we'll experience his love face to face.
Lord, we often get so caught up in our daily lives that we fail to look forward to seeing you face to face. Fill our hearts with longing for that day. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
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