1 Corinthians 1:7

As You Wait for the Revealing of Our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:7)

Do you remember the excitement you felt the night of Christmas Eve as a kid? You were filled with hope thinking about what was waiting for you under the tree the next morning. You could not wait to wake your parents up and crowd the living room hoping to open your presents first. Or you were just excited to see your friends and family and celebrate with good food, joyous laughter, and the warmth of fellowship. The human sensation of hope is one of the most powerful motivators of the spirit. When we have something to hope for, we are filled with joy and strength to face the difficulties of everyday life.

The coming of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem was the culmination of the long-awaited hope for the people of God. After centuries of longing for a restored kingdom of Israel, a baby boy was born of the line of King David. Yet, his coming would fulfill their anticipation in a far more world-shaking way than they could have ever imagined. He not only brought the kingdom of God among them as a king, but his life was the perfect sacrifice by which they could be made sons and daughters of God. The baby born in Bethlehem was the ultimate fulfillment of hope.

What do we have to hope for? We have seen the horrible effect of war upon our world. Sickness and death regularly touch our community and personal lives. The anxiety of financial trouble gnaws at any sense of peace in our hearts. Yet, the good news of Christmas is that the baby born in Bethlehem will come again! The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth reminding them to wait for the glorious revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who revealed the kingdom and saved us from sin will come again to establish his glorious kingdom. He will bring a new heaven and new earth in which we will live forever enjoying the presence of our God. Just as he lives and reigns over the entire universe, so we will too. In his kingdom, there will be no suffering, pain, war, anxiety, or death. We truly are a people of hope. It is as if we are like little kids waiting on Christmas Eve for the coming of glorious Christmas morning. When he comes, we will awaken and crowd his living room to enjoy fellowship with him forever.