THE RETURN

Time with Jesus - Saturday, 22 December 2012

Hi all,

Today’s introduction speaks of Christmas and Jesus. The poem speaks of the second coming of Jesus. For many Christians, the second coming is little more than a fairy story, little better than the annual return of Father Christmas. But the second coming is real. It will certainly happen. For those who expect Him, the experience will be better than any fairy story. It will make Father Christmas look like a street beggar. This is our meditation today.

Blessings,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Saturday, 22 December 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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INTRODUCTION			DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	THE RETURN
How many more “sleeps” till Christmas? From about three years of age children begin with this question. Usually there is an expression of anticipation and delight on their faces. Their eyes seem to light up with the prospects of the Christmas season. Few sights in life are better than this. By straining my own memory, I can still glimpse and experience again what it was like all those years ago. Most people in the First World have memories of those days. Day’s that are relived through the lives of children and grandchildren. Days that have gone but will never be forgotten. It’s true that Christmas has been over commercialised. It’s hard to find any shop that isn’t filled with Christmas lights and decorations. Once more, Father Christmas is ubiquitous. Stores are filled with gifts to tempt adults and children alike. It’s hard to resist the temptation and many of us give in and spend far more than we should. In this regard, there is a general expectation that we should give and receive presents. The store owners encourage this and tempt people to spend money they haven’t got, to give a present to recipients who have no need and do not really want. Sadly, many families overcommit themselves to the point where it takes until the end of February before their Christmas debt has been discharged. Those of you who have had experience with Church finances will, no doubt, be familiar with the downturn in church income during January and February. Of course this only applies to those who are unspiritual! A yearly complaint by many sincere Christians centres on the person of Father Christmas. We hear righteous cries of, “It teaches the children to tell lies!” Phyllida and I have discussed this on many occasions. Yes, there is something incongruous about men in funny red suits delivering presents from a snow covered sleigh, drawn by flying reindeer. The connection between the commercialisation of this and the birth of our Lord and Saviour is tenuous, to say the least. Yet there is something touching about a man giving gifts to the undeserving; the idea that people will receive an unmerited gift from a complete stranger in a red suit. We have placated our conscience by remembering that Jesus Christ was a man “dressed” in His own “red”, with blood flowing from His wounds. Wounds that should be ours. He gave the gift of His life to undeserving men and women who had no interest and no love for Him. He didn’t say, “Hoh, Hoh, Hoh! He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”. He didn’t ride in a sleigh. He was nailed to a cross. He doesn’t come once a year at midnight. 24/7 He stands at the door of our hearts and knocks. He doesn’t come down the chimney. He waits for us to invite Him in. Have you? Jim & Phyllida Strickland			4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." 2 Peter 3:4 ESV 14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, "Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of His holy ones 15 to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him." Jude 1:14-15 NLT 7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7 TNIV 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NLT 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Titus 2:11-13 ESV	Where is the second coming? When will the Lord return? Could it be any moment? My heart within me burns, With such anticipation. To see my Lord at last! To wait another minute, please let the time fly past. How many generations, have longed to be with You? To see You as they worship, that’s what they’ve longed to do. Sound out the final trumpet; come forth that mighty shout. Send forth the Angel army. Let there be no more doubt, That Jesus is triumphant. That He’s the King of Kings. That He will live forever! This truth within us rings! Let all the graves be opened, of those who went before. That all the dead in Jesus will rise and live once more. Your servants who are living; Lord, cause them all to rise. That Christians from all ages will meet You in the skies; In resurrection bodies. Lord, let us be caught up. That with the King of Glory, each one of us will sup. To be with You forever! There is no higher goal, For any of Your people, who serve with heart and soul. Draw near Ye clouds of glory! O Master, take Your place! Let every eye behold You, from all the human race. Elect from every nation, rejoice for He is near, Put away your crying! Wipe away every tear. Join in the celebration. This is our Jubilee! The captives liberated and every slave set free. Be terrified ye sinners. The time at last has come. Let all bow down before You! God’s great and mighty Son. Let every tongue acknowledge, You are the Lord of Lords. Let even those who pierced You receive their just rewards. Those who rejected Jesus; let them begin to mourn; Experience what happens, when Jesus Christ they scorn. Lord, execute Your judgement, upon ungodly folk, The way you deal with people, who say You are a joke. Your grace has brought salvation to those whom You have trained, To disown worldly passions and in Your truth remained. To live a life that’s Godly, upright and self-controlled. Filled with Your deep compassion and with Your love untold. Even so, Come Lord Jesus, Come for Your loving bride. Come for Your humble servants; let us be at Your side. Jim Strickland  Written 22nd December 2012