For many children, the first 24 days of December seem to last forever and ever. And, even though I never pursued ironclad scientific proof, I am pretty sure that as a child there were several Christmas Eves which lasted a couple of centuries apiece.
Though few of us may be waiting as passionately as a child on Christmas Eve, all of us to some degree have someone or something we are looking forward to.
The thoughtful child of God is “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21). Because of this, he is building himself up in his most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping himself in the love of God (Jude 20-21). Therefore, he is living obediently to Christ’s commands (John 14:15).
He is not waiting for some fictitious “pie in the sky”; he is not looking for a spiritual mirage; he is not seeking a figment of his deluded imagination.
Like a sleepless child on Christmas Eve, a Christian is looking to receive to himself his very own victor’s crown, soldier’s laurels, son’s welcome home, and wedding banquet. He is waiting to enjoy the final riches and ultimate fulfillment of God’s glorious mercy—eternal life in the eternal city.
What are you waiting for?
