This isn't the only time in history, of course, that has been so dismal and discouraging, scary even. Can you imagine the 400 years spanning the end of the Old Testament history through the first coming of Christ, The Baby born in Bethlehem?
400 years of God's silence. No sound from God for generations. Take that in for a second.
For all of history prior, God had spoken to man in many ways. At first, He walked and talked with man. Sometimes He appeared in a cloud or a pillar of fire. Sometimes a manifestation of His Son showed up. Sometimes He sent an angel to carry His message. Other times He spoke through prophets. But make no mistake, God's presence was known and felt. Ignored, denied and disobeyed perhaps, but always palpable.
Until the darkness set in and He stopped speaking. No more words. No more appearances. Just silence.
We've never known this kind of black emptiness, which must have been staggering and frightening, not to mention seemingly endless. We've seen bleak days, that's for sure. Granted, there are times when God seems quieter than others. We ignore, deny and disobey the order God intended for mankind just like our ancestors. We've witnessed the depravity of man's sin against mankind in countless hideous ways through the generations, and we know there is demonic activity but we've not been without God's presence in our midst.
How do I know? We have the Bible, His preserved, inspired Word in print, easily available to most. Also, because we have the Holy Spirit living inside Christ-followers giving testimony to God at work in a life.
Those living when B.C. became A.D. on the kingdom calendar were in desperate need of rescue, of a Light to shine in the darkness, of a Savior. Sin had taken over and no one could remedy it. (Sound familiar?) Those who knew the prophecies and believed the promises God made were hoping and watching for Him and they got what they were looking for. The first Advent.
This glorious story of Jesus' first physical entry into the world can become buried beneath American Christmas fluff but make no mistake, it is always there. It's in the books, the songs, the movies, the hearts of believers, the spirit of gratitude and generosity.
Fast forward 2017 years. We, too, are living in a dark time. If we're not careful we can become scared, discouraged, hopeless God forbid.
The Gospels give us a play by play of the birth story of Jesus, Savior of the world. (Read it for yourself in the beginning of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.) But there's more.
Throughout the rest of the New Testament more promises are made for Jesus' second coming. He will be coming again to collect those who've entered God's family by placing their faith and trust in Jesus. Those whose sins are forgiven and removed as a result of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.
I remember when one of our sons took this major step in his life journey. He'd been asking to "pray the prayer" and "ask Jesus in his heart" for some time, but we didn't rush it until we felt he had complete understanding. That day came when he was sitting in the bathtub talking to me.
"It's just that I'm sick of sinning, Mom."
Whoa.
Yes, indeed.
As I read the headlines and look in the mirror, I'm sick of sin and sinning too.
Come, Lord Jesus, we need You.
God always keeps His promises. Jesus is going to come back. I hope His return will be in my lifetime. What a glorious day that day will be! And I hope it's at Christmas time, when we are especially watchful and aware.
Until then, let these truths take root in your heart.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun,
for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:5
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