“IT’S TIME to get ready” is often heard in families, particularly before school or other time-critical appointments.
The Christian church also recognises it’s time to get ready.
This Sunday begins the four-week period leading up to Christmas known as Advent.
Advent, which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’, is a time of preparation for not just one, but two ‘arrivals’.
The first is the coming into the world of Jesus some 2000 years ago – an amazing event celebrated at Christmas.
God the creator of the universe stooped from the brilliant glory of heaven into our frail humanity as a dependant baby boy.
At the time an angel announced that it was ‘good news of great joy’.
That’s because Jesus, about 30 years later, revealed the enormous extent of his love for us by his death and resurrection, through which he offers everyone the joy of knowing forgiveness, and a superior quality of life.
Our joy in recalling the first coming of Jesus is accompanied by preparation for his second advent.
At an unknown future date, this will be more dramatic than anything the world has previously experienced.
Everyone will see him, not as a tiny baby, but as a triumphant king and righteous judge.
We will all come face-to-face with our Creator.
For Christians, gone will be the anxieties and limitations of our current lives.
Instead, we will enjoy the perfect peace of his loving presence for ever.
It’s time to get ready!
Peter Jackman is a member of Norreys Church, which meets on Sundays at 10am.
For information, visit: norreyschurch.co.uk
