Second Advent

“On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in our world.Every Christmas is still ‘a turning of the page’ until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us closer to . . . home.When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longing, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to his glorious return to earth. When we see him as he is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be ‘Christmas’ indeed!”

- Joni Eareckson Tada, “A Christmas Longing” in Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus ed. by Nancy Guthrie (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008), 137.

Voices & Choices

I'm in the lounge tonight. I just heard a quote from a movie people are watching--I think it's Enchanted. Anyway. A line stuck out to me:

"Hello worthless. Miss me?"

I think that's like our sin, honestly. It treats us terribly, but we keep thinking it's worth going back for more. Our selfish, proud nature never serves us well. It leaves us broken, worthless... feeling incapable and stained by the very thing that keeps us from God.

Why do we go back?

I think it's because we refuse to hear the tender voice of God that speaks the opposite of our sin:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."

"Choose this day whom you will serve"