Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Psalm 96:11-13 (NIV)
LORD, what a glorious image to close out this week with: You returning, making all things new, and all of creation celebrating! We were already given a foretaste of what that rejoicing would be like when those shepherds first saw the angelic host singing Your glory, and then, making their way to Bethlehem, seeing You for themselves and departing, glorifying and praising Your Name (Luke 2:20). Or the wise men, seeing the heavens declare Your arrival, making their way to Bethlehem. And seeing the heavens again point the way, they are moved to glorify You, their hearts filled with joy (Matthew 2:10). And upon seeing You, they fall down and worship You, presenting You gifts (Matthew 2:11), which to this day every manger scene depicts in remembrance of that moment. Our hearts skip-a-beat in happiness when we think on these scenes from our spiritual past. I can only imagine what it will be like when You return!
So today, my heart joyously heeds to Your command, “Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes!” I look in anticipation, with abated breath, for that day that You will come and finish the work that You started. That sweet balance between Your justice and mercy will cause all of Your children to look upon Your final judgement and declare this is Your work and it is marvelous in our eyes (Psalm 118:23)! Even as You came the first time in a manner we did not expect, blowing our minds while transforming our lives, You shall do so again, satisfying the Scriptures while fulfilling the saying, “Eyes have not seen or ears heard (1 Corinthians 2:9)!”
I thank You for the Christmas season, which is a reminder of the already/not yet glory of Your salvific plan for me and all who call upon You. Thank You for the simplicity of the gospel and its overwhelming power to change and transform lives. Thank You for instilling in all who love You this glimmer of hope in the midst of a world filled with hopelessness, reminding us to keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh (Luke 21:28). Help me to continue to spread this joy that I have in You, reminding the world that You, my Savior, are THE reason for this season. Amen!