When I was in high school (many moons again, but let's not get into details, OK?), I wanted to be in the choir every year so I could sing Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in the Christmas concert. I also wanted to be in choir so I could go to Florida and Disney World on choir tour but that's beside the point. Singing those words "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." send chills up my spine. That is what we'll be singing in heaven. Wow.
This is my favourite reading so far! I know there's the other side - that for unbelievers, it will be a terrifying judgement for eternity - but the vision of the future for the invisible church in that moment is glorious!!
When my family celebrates Christmas Day, we traditionally have a birthday cake for Jesus and sing the "Happy Birthday" song. But now I have this better understanding of his second coming and the song that we'll be singing then! Granted, it's a bit "meatier" in content than "happy birthday to you":) Christmas Day will definitely be taking on a deeper meaning for me after this study - I pray it does for you too. I'll be listening to Handel this Christmas!
I think the authors of the devotion did a really great job with their message in the paragraph starting, "We truly live in end times." The information we've been given through now, regardless of whether we've figured every little detail out or not, show us that this is where we're at now. All the signs, whether earthly or spiritual, point to that. Judgement Day could arrive anytime.
The People's Bible ends it's commentary with these words, "As we prepare for the last days, we come before God, falling on our faces, and seek refuge alone in Jesus Christ." This is the message of Advent - repentance and waiting, dear sisters in Christ! Thank you for walking along with me!
2 comments:
I'm SO GLAD I wasn't the only one singing Handel when I read it! And I COMPLETELY agree with you; the finale makes me break out in chill bumps and cry...but all for very good reasons and without fear or remorse!
You're right, Rachel. Judgement day will be terrifying, but it also seems right to think it might also be electrifying and humbling too. Granted, I will not try to impose a viewpoint or emotions when there's so much we don't know and have yet to experience, but I can't help thinking how amazing it all would be to see and how overwhelming it might be to be in the presence of (as I'm singing Handel) the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!
Also for me this study is enriching my Advent in such wonderful ways. The celebration of Christmas will (I pray) bring thoughts of Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil, and the rejoicing and praise for eternity with all the saints. The full significance of my God in a manger - no wonder the angels had to appear singing "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests!" Thank you, Rachel, for inviting all of us to walk with you on this Advent journey of repentance and waiting.
I also just love to bask in the overwhelming feeling of joy that comes from knowing that I will someday be, as cre8ev says, "in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will reign forever and ever. Hallelujah!"
I particularly appreciated the first line in the prayer in our "Behold I am Coming Soon" chapter. It is a line that is short enough that I can remember it and pray it at any time. While short and simple, it is so full of meaning for so many reasons we have studied...
Lord Jesus, you reign today, and you will reign forever.
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