Devotions with Nell Ritchey

“…You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” 2 Peter 3:15-16

I love Christmas! I love everything about it – decorating the house, buying and giving presents, wearing Christmassy clothes and jewelry, watching “Miracle on 34thStreet” for the 97th time. Don’t hate me; I even love Santa Claus! We have Santas all around our house, many of them shown in the act of worshipping the Savior. Of everything I enjoy about Christmas, the best part is the anticipation
This Advent season, Pastor Jared has been preaching on the meaning of the Advent candles. The second week’s candle stands for annunciation, with the focus being on John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. He drew the crowds, then turned them over to the one “whose sandals (he was) not worthy to untie.” He preached the message of repentance, and his hearers were encouraged to prepare themselves for salvation. When the time was right, John directed them to Jesus. Pastor Jared encouraged us to “Live like Jesus; act like John,” meaning that we should be sharing the good news of salvation with everyone we know and directing them to Jesus. What an awesome reminder.

My favorite, though, is the first week’s candle, which represents anticipation. The Prophets anticipated Christ’s coming long before His arrival, and wrote about it repeatedly in the Old Testament. They were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, even though they didn’t get to see it here on earth. But their anticipation, and ours, doesn’t end with the birth of Christ. One day He will return in power and glory, no longer a baby in a manger, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Certainly His first coming was miraculous, literally the turning point of our calendar from BC to AD. However, it was just the beginning of a whole new stage of anticipation, looking forward to His Second Coming. What a glorious day that will be! “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20)
Merry Christmas,
Nell