“The government will rest on his (Jesus—the Messiah’s) shoulders. He’ll be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end” (Isa.9:6-7). “I won’t abandon you as orphans—I’ll come to you” (Jn.14:18). “I am presently making all things new (Rev.21:5). “Look up, for I’m coming soon!” (Rev.22:12)
Lord Jesus, we’ve never been more grateful for your first coming and more eager for your second. But while we intensify our cry, “How Long O Lord?”, we rest in your promise never to leave or forsake us (Heb.13:5). We will never experience a Christ-absent day. Hallelujah, and thank you. In this sense, we never have to pray, “Jesus, please show up,” for you are always with us and for us. You are never a “no show.”
However, we do love the way you give us “little-‘a’-Advents.” You come to us by the Holy Spirit with need-shaped grace (Heb.4:16) and mercy-in-the moment help (Acts 7:55)—supernatural aid for all kinds of aches, issues, and challenges (2Cor.12:9; Rev.1:12-18). For the 2nd time, Hallelujah, and thank you, Jesus.
For the rest of this Thanksgiving weekend, and during the whole season of Advent, we look to you for some (many) of these “moments.” Do more than we can ask or imagine—and there’s a lot we can both ask and imagine, Jesus. Thaw our chilled, ho-hum, whatever hearts. Give us hope and love where we have given up on certain people and old, “moldy” situations.
Jesus, give us a fresh and clear vision of your empty tomb, occupied throne, joyful heart. Your government and peace are increasing all the time and in every place. For the 3rd time, Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.