“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” – Revelation 22:20

There have been many aspects of 2020 that have reminded us of just how fragile the many things we treasure about our life and society can be. So many things we take for granted have been altered, questioned, or upended. This has been a helpful reminder that what we enjoy (or suffer) here is temporary, because Jesus is coming soon.

One day, Jesus will return in victory. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords will return to usher in the new heavens and the new earth. He will judge the living and the dead. He will right every injustice and heal every wound. For those who trust in Christ, this will be an overwhelmingly beautiful and glorious time. Our hearts should long for this day, which will be the beginning of things more wonderful than we can even imagine.

Nonetheless, our attachment to the sparkly things of this world can sometimes make us reluctant to embrace our future. Truly, that represents a failure of imagination on our part, one that hopefully we can put to rest after the challenges of this year.

As we near the beginning of a new year, let us all unite in prayer, crying out from the depths of our souls, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

It’s a beautiful thing to know the end of the story, and we do! As we stand at the end of a strange and trying year, it’s incredibly encouraging to remember that what we see and hear all around us isn’t all there is.

One day, our Savior will return. One day, evil will be destroyed. One day, there will be a new heaven and new earth. One day, God will dwell among His people forever and comfort us more deeply, profoundly, and completely than can ever be imagined.

In that day, the pains of this mortal life will fade in memory as we enjoy the glorious presence of God and our eternal, resurrected life. In Christ, there’s always hope. Hope for today. Hope for tomorrow. Hope forevermore.

“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” – Revelation 20:15

There will come a day when everyone will believe in Jesus, regardless of what they previously believed. One day He will return and sitting on His great white throne of judgment Jesus will judge all people, living and dead. He will judge according to what’s written in the books containing the records of our lives.

Thankfully, there’s another book – the book of life. Everyone whose name is written in the book of life will be declared not-guilty, despite what’s written in those other books. For everyone else, the future is what this verse describes: an eternity in the lake of fire. That’s a terrible prospect!

So how does one get his or her name written into the book of life? It certainly won’t be by having perfect behavior, because we’ve all fallen short of God’s standard of perfection! It won’t be because we’ve earned it, deserve it, or bought our way in through good deeds or extravagant charity. Our good works as well as our bad will be fully chronicled in the first set of books.

There’s only one way to get your name in the book of life. That’s by putting your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life. This is a decision you must make while you’re still alive. Everyone standing before Christ’s throne will believe on that day, but it’ll be too late then. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

If you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ, please do so today and God will write your name in the book of life. Your forgiveness will have been purchased for you by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

If you have trusted in Christ for salvation, which names from among your friends and family aren’t yet written there? Will you share the good news of Jesus Christ with them before they stand before the throne?

“But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” – Psalm 147:11

What a wondrous encouragement for a year that’s been so difficult and discouraging for so many! To fear the Lord doesn’t mean to be afraid in the shallow modern sense. Among other things, to fear the Lord means to deeply honor the divine Creator and His nature, to fully respect and submit to His authority, and to hold His holiness and majesty in awe.

This verse is intentionally paralleling the first and second concept – to fear the Lord is to put our hope and trust in His steadfast, unchanging, unshakeable love and faithfulness. To truly hope in His love (i.e. to build your life on that foundation) is to fear Him. This is true because fear of the Lord is grounded in knowing who He is and He is steadfast love.

So know this on this Eve of Christmas Eve… If you love the Lord, if you find your hope and strength in Him, if you live in awe of His majesty, mercy, grace, patience, justice, goodness, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, power, and love, then God takes pleasure in you. The Creator of the Universe takes pleasure in you personally.

God doesn’t measure you by any of the world’s standards. He doesn’t take pleasure in your job title, bank balance, home value, or the sticker price of your car. He doesn’t measure you by your health, wealth, or situation. God loves and takes pleasure in your heart, if it is submitted to Him. In a year full of disappointments and frustrations, take joy in this – God delights in you as you delight in Him.

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”
– Psalm 146:1-2

It’s been a long and difficult year for so many. However, all the things the psalmist goes on to praise God for remain true today. His plans remain eternal. He is still creator of heaven, earth, sea, and all that is within them. He still keeps faith forever – His promises are certain and His love for those made righteous by Christ cannot be shaken. He still executes ultimate justice for the oppressed and provides for those in need while calling and empowering His people to do the same. He loves and cares for the immigrant, the widow, and the orphan while opposing the wicked.

God is, and always will be, worthy of praise. When our circumstances get us down and our thoughts turn inward to ourselves, let the people of God take those thoughts captive and turn them to the contemplation of the majesty and glory of Almighty God. He is merciful and gracious, patient, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. He is just, holy, good, righteous, and kind. He is wise, powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. He will neither leave us nor forsake us.

Praise God today. Praise Him tomorrow. Praise Him every day that you draw breath!