A Returning Saviour

Act 1:1  In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2  until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3  After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4  While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; 5  for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6  So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7  He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 9  When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10  While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11  They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

Advent is a season that reminds us of a returning Saviour. We not only look back at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem all those years ago – but we look forward to the one who “will come in the same way” as he was taken. Christmas sits at the nexus between the past and the future. And it offer an opportunity for us to be reminded of Jesus – who came to save his people, and who continues to inspire salvation songs in our hearts.

  

For Thought

I will rise from waters deep
Into the saving arms of God
I will sing salvation songs
Jesus Christ has set me free

Hillsong - What The Lord Has Done In Me Lyrics  

Third Sunday in Advent

3.The Coming of Christ

The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 26.

This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.