Hopeful Waiting

"As we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."  -Titus 2:13

In yesterday's Our Daily Bread Amy Boucher Pye writes about God's people waiting for the Messiah's appearance, then when He came many did not recognize him.  They had their preconceived ideas of what a Messiah should look like....certainly not a tiny baby.  When my boys were still home I would leave baby Jesus out of the manger scene until Christmas morning when He would then appear.  The wisemen would be placed on a shelf or table in another part of the room as they "made their way" to Bethlehem to bring gifts to the newborn King.

Jesus came to fulfill the promises of God and then went to be with the Father.  Now we are awaiting His return as He has promised.  Amy Pye writes, "....when Jesus was born in little Bethlehem, He ushered in life in all its fullness--life without condemnation.  We enjoy His presence with us today while we eagerly wait for His return."  We are to "be patient and stand firm" as we await Jesus' second coming, living "holy and godly lives. . .spotless, blameless and at peace with Him."

I am grateful that Jesus will return to take me to be with Our Father.