Word for the day "Advent is the reason for the season"
Joel 2:11 (NKJV) The LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
The advent season can help our understanding of the Lord’s imminent return.
Both in the Old and New Testaments, “The day of the Lord” refers to some obvious and initial events which fulfill specific prophecies.As we are now observing the Advent season please notice the primary message of our Coming Lord in times past, in times now, and in the days ahead!However, both here in the Old Testament Bible book of Joel and many other places in Scripture. We can read the ultimate and final day of the Lord as speaking of the return of Jesus Christ from heaven to earth and the conclusion of history.This is the day of the Lord, the final day of life on this earth. In fact, in this season of Advent, we are not only preparing for the birth of our Lord that took place two thousand years ago.We are also in preparation for our Lord’s Second Advent and soon return.
Making sense of Christ’s second coming is significant to your journey.
In the book of Joel, it appropriately describes Christ’s second coming as both great and terrible. For those who look by faith to Christ and long for His return, the day will not only be great in its significance and power, but in the joy that it brings.The redemption, the deliverance for which they have so long hoped, will finally be a reality. Glorified body and sanctified soul will unite to praise the Savior forever.However, for those who persist in rebellion against their Creator, who assure themselves that they are not accountable for their actions, this day is terrible.When the voice that called the universe into existence is heard at the forefront of the Lord’s heavenly army, no one will stand against our God. Our Lord is strong to execute, to fulfill, His word. Advent is simply the Latin word for “coming.”If we can manage to meditate on any “coming” in December besides the comings and goings of Christmas shopping, it would be Christ’s coming to earth through the virgin birth to Mary (Matthew 1:20).But the liturgy of the first three weeks of the Advent season speaks of another coming, the second and final coming of Jesus at the end of time.The second coming of Christ, like the first, involves a birth. Only this time, it will be the birth of a new heaven and new earth (II Peter 3:13; Romans 8:19-23; CCC 1042).Birth is always preceded by labor and travail. In fact, birth is a sort of crisis that puts everyone involved to the test. The labor pains to bring one baby to birth are intense enough to bring life.Imagine the labor pains prior to the birth of a whole new creation.
Point to ponder
As the Lord has promised, everyone will give an account of their deeds and be judged before the throne of Christ. Those not found in the Lord will be lost eternally.How do you see that day? Will it be great to you, or will it be a tragedy?There is no birth without labor. So, during Advent, as we rejoice in hope over the imminent new arrival, perhaps we ought to do everything possible to make sure that the labor goes successfully.That way there’ll be something amazing to rejoice about in the end.
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of December 2020, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Cynthia Waiters-Artis, Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Darlene Simmons, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Judith Battle, Ms. Angela Battle, Apostle James and Pastor Rita Morehead, Ms. Quiana Volney, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. Brandon McIntyre, Mrs. Angela Baker Harrison, Pastor Raymond Philip, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Raymond Jenkins, Ms. Crystal Hawkins, Ms. Damaris Torres, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Kingdom Blessings,