Reason to Hope...

 Today's Readings: OT - Joshua 22:10-34 / NT - Revelation 11:15-12:17

"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign." - Revelation 11:15-17 

Another date that was feared by many quietly slipped away. Theories were running rampant as to what would happen to the world on December 21, 2012. This was the date of the Mayan Apocalypse and the end of the world. If the kingdom of this world should end: what then? The words of the prophet say this world will end, but he also says that another world is coming. A world where evil will be judged and destroyed and God's people, small and great, will be rewarded. There is reason to hope.

The angel told Mary that her child would "reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1:33) This part of the Christmas announcement is so often passed over. This world with all its bells and whistles is going to be replaced with the kingdom of God and Christ shall reign forever. Christmas is a date, which we should never fear. This day is the birthday of a King who will, one day soon, take his great power and begin to reign. This is reason to hope.

Christmas 2021 may not bring all the joy and celebration to you that others experience. It may be a day that you fear because you feel empty and unsure of the year that will follow. You may feel that this world has let you down in many ways. Well, Christmas can be a joyful day if you will fall before the King of Kings, open your heart and invite him into your life. The future kingdom will become a "present" kingdom when He begins to reign in you. This is reason to hope.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Joshua 23:1-24:13  /  NT - Revelation 13