November 29, 2021 -- I Corinthians 15:51-52 -- True Christmas Anticipation

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Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.
I Corinthians 15:51-52 ESV

All Friday last week there was a growing sense of urgency and increasing anticipation. The first warnings were sounded that our region was going to have a winter storm. Our focus shifted. Suddenly the whole question of what summer items needed to be cleaned up and put away immediately came to the fore. The BBQ and tank. Yes! These must be put into the shed. The glass top table and chairs have to be removed from the deck and be properly stored for winter.

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, shows the promises of God which give to believers a sense of urgent anticipation. Christmas concentrates this for us. At that first Christmas, Jesus came to this earth as a child; and each successive Christmas celebration reminds us He will one day return as the triumphant King. Reflecting on such things increases our hope and expectation for His return. This fallen sinful world will be swept away in judgment and those who are in Christ will receive new life in the new heaven and new earth. How glorious this is. How does that change your prayer life for family and friends who are not saved? How does this motivate you to know Jesus Christ and the power of His resurrection? How does this change your celebration of Christmas, so that you don’t just look backward, but with hope and joy you anticipate His return in terrible majesty?!

Our prayer this morning is the familiar Christmas Carol, “O Come, O Come, Immanuel. This carol is more than 800 years old.

O Come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
   that mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O Come, O King of nations bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
   Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.
   Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
 

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