After he said this, [Jesus] was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, ”why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11 NIV)
As we remember Christ’s coming to earth this Christmas season, we also look ahead to Christ’s return. How should we, who love and trust in Jesus, live our lives to reflect our anticipation of his second coming?
Look forward to how God will answer your prayers. (Matthew 7:7-11)
Trust that God will speak to you as you open his Word. (Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 4:12)
Watch for those in need of love so that you can serve them and bless them. (Galatians 6:9-10; 1 Peter 4:10)
Anticipate the good gifts God has for you. (James 1:17)
Believe that God will use your struggles for your spiritual good and his glory. (Romans 8:28; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11)
Wait and see how God will use you when you step out in faith to follow his leading. (Psalm 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:20-21)
Expect your life to be transformed by Christ’s Spirit living in you. (Galatians 5:22-26; Philippians 2:14-15)
Be prepared for trials because you are a follower of Christ. (2 Timothy 3:12; James 1:2-4)
Long for Christ’s second coming - and for Christ to receive you as his bride! (Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 19:7-8)
Anxiously await eternal life - deep, satisfying, communing - with the One who created you! (Revelation 21:3-4)
Holy God, you are trustworthy, and your Word is true. Help us to anticipate the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us by your Word, your Spirit, and other believers, to do the work you have called us to while we await Christ’s return. Amen.
Take Action
Choose one or two of the ways to anticipate Christ’s return (listed above) that you are struggling with. Meditate on the scripture verses. Believe that God will show you how you can trust him, or serve him more fully in this way.
Check out 8 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Gift Love This Christmas.