Today’s reading is 2 Peter 2 and 3.
Are you ready for Christmas? Presents bought and wrapped? Family meals planned? House all clean and decorated? There can be so much pressure this time of year to make everything perfect. 2 Peter 3 gives us words that make us pause and take a step back. Read through the entire chapter of 2 Peter 3 and take in Peter’s words about what is coming. I’m pretty sure Jesus does not care about all the Christmas preparations we do, He cares about our hearts and how ready they are. Are we ready for him to come again?
We are in the midst of the Advent season. Advent prepares us for the birth and the initial coming of Christ. But, our reading today focuses on the second coming of Christ. When will he return? There have been many Christmas’ since the birth of Jesus. How long must we live in this world full of sin, injustice and judgment?
So, dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape your notice; a single day counts like a thousand years to the Lord Yahweh, and a thousand years counts as one day. This means that, contrary to man’s perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness. But rather, his “delay” simply reveals his loving patience toward you, because he does not want any to perish but all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9
God is patient. He is patient enough to wait for me, for you, and for that person you pray for each day. He is waiting for sinners to repent and receive his salvation. Would you rather have a God who is in a hurry to return and punish? Or a God who is beyond our understanding and patient beyond measure?
As we wait this Christmas Season for the savior to arrive, we are also waiting for Him to return again. What are we doing while we wait? Are we praying for those who do not know Him? Are we telling others about the love that He offers? He will return. We do not know the date or time, but we are to be ready.
Peter reminds us that God is different, He has all kinds of time to make sure that no one misses their time to turn around and be saved. He is giving us time to share His love with all those we are surrounded with. Instead of focusing on the gifts, the decorations, and the meals, I am convicted to focus on the people I am surrounded by this Christmas.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, may we also celebrate the RETURN of Christ, for He IS COMING.