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By Pastor Todd Fletcher

During the month of December, churches the world over follow an Advent calendar which is meant to build up excitement and anticipation for the celebration of the arrival of the Savior on Christmas Day. Finally, after all the buildup and anticipation, the day finally comes with the ringing of church bells and the squeals of children as they wake up to presents that seemingly appear out of nowhere. Then, families gather around the table to enjoy a Christmas feast that many worked tirelessly to provide as a gesture of their love. What a joyous occasion!

But soon, the church bells fall silent and the Advent candles are put away. At home, the kids have long since retreated to their rooms or outside to play with their favorite new toy, and all that’s left of the festive occasion is a pile of shredded wrapping paper, a sink full of dirty dishes and memories. There was so much build-up, and then, just like that, it’s all over. What now?

I believe this is a great reminder that Jesus didn’t merely come to establish a holiday, He came to establish a people for Himself. Though He came as a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, He would go on to die on a cross outside Jerusalem for the sins of the world.

Following His death, burial and resurrection, the Bible tells us Jesus ascended into heaven and now sits as the victorious King over all creation, where He will remain until His second Advent. Yet, this time, He won’t be coming as a helpless child lying in a manger, but as a conquering King to judge the living and the dead and to establish His kingdom here on this earth from which He will rule and reign as our eternal Immanuel, God with us. This realization should help us answer the question, “what now?”

Just as you prepared with eager anticipation for Christmas Day, we should all prepare with eager anticipation for His second Advent; but with much more fervency. For this advent won’t merely come and go like another Christmas Day but will last for all eternity. So, while we watch and wait for His glorious appearing, may we heed the words of the Apostle Paul, who admonished the Philippians to, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). All these Christmas celebrations are mere dress rehearsals for the main event. For when the King comes again, it will be for good, and only those whose names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life through faith in God’s Son shall enter (Revelation 21:27).

So, what do we do now that the Christmas holiday is behind us? Remember that Christ is coming again, and ensure that your name has been written in His book. Then walk in humble obedience to His commands so that when He returns, you will hear Him say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

May God richly bless you and yours in this new year.