Christ(mas) is Coming

Even without looking at a calendar I would be able to tell that something exciting is afoot just by the behavior of my students. Fifth graders are not noted for their self-contol under ordinary circumstances. With Christmas coming they have been more boisterous, talkative, restless, unfocused, (and even giddy) than usual. They have been a wonderful object lesson for me of my own restless heart.

Of course, we are busy with the preparations for Christmas. I am excited to pick just the right gift for each one. (Thanks to Ben I know how to shop on the internet and have bought many of my gifts on-line this year.) We are all looking forward to the return home of brothers we don't see as often as we'd like. The excitement and anticipation can catapult each of us past self-control.

But, I was glad for this reminder from Pop on Wednesday evening. Advent is the time of preparation for Christ's coming. Certainly, we can prepare for the celebration of His first advent by buying gifts and attending parties. But, even more, we should always be prepared for His second coming. The call to worship during advent focuses on being prepared for His return.

"Therefore stay awake---for you do not know when the master
of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the
cock crows, or in the morning---lest he come suddenly and find
you asleep." Mark 13: 35, 36

Remembering both His first coming--and celebrating that with joy--and being prepared for His second coming---wanting that, and anticipating it as much as I do the visits of Matt, Jon and Thomas--has helped me stay focused on the tasks at hand, and has given me uncommon patience with my overly eager students.