November 26, Sunday

Justice and Relationship

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the Lord

Theme: We must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ

Ezekiel. 34.17-24

Psalm 19.7-12

1 John 3.16-21

Matthew 25.31-46

 

“Facing the Judgment Seat of Christ: A Call to Righteous Living”

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

  As we gather in the presence of the Lord this Sunday, let us meditate on a profound truth that resonates through the Scriptures: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This divine appointment is not a distant event but a reality that shapes our lives today. Our reflections will be anchored in Ezekiel 34:17-24, Psalm 19:7-12, 1 John 3:16-21, and Matthew 25:31-46. Together, these passages weave a tapestry of God’s expectations for His people.  

1.The Divine Standard of Righteousness

  Our first anchor is found in Psalm 19:7-12, where the psalmist extols the perfection of God’s law. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7). In our journey toward the judgment seat of Christ, God’s Word serves as a compass, guiding us in righteous living. The psalmist reminds us that God’s precepts are trustworthy, and in keeping them, there is great reward.Ezekiel 34:17-24 echoes this call to righteous living within the community of believers. As shepherds of God’s flock, we are entrusted with the responsibility to lead with justice and compassion. God holds us accountable for how we care for His people, and our actions should reflect His righteous character.  

2.Love in Action

  Moving to 1 John 3:16-21, we encounter the essence of Christian living – love. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16). Our faith is not merely a set of doctrines but a call to sacrificial love. As we face the judgment seat, our lives will be measured by the love we have shown to others.Matthew 25:31-46 reinforces this point through the parable of the sheep and the goats. Jesus makes it clear that our love for others, especially the marginalized and vulnerable, is an expression of our love for Him. Those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, and cared for the least of these demonstrated their love for Christ. May we heed this call to love in action, recognizing that our deeds are a testimony before the judgment seat.  

3.The King on His Throne

  In Matthew 25:31-46, we glimpse the future scene at the judgment seat of Christ. The Son of Man, the King, separates the sheep from the goats based on their deeds. This imagery serves as a stark reminder that our actions matter and that the King’s judgment is both just and merciful.As we prepare to face the judgment seat of Christ, let us live in anticipation of His grace, responding to the divine standard of righteousness, demonstrating love in action, and recognizing the King on His throne. Our lives, shaped by these principles, will bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing glory to God and ushering in His kingdom on earth. Dear brothers and sisters, let us embrace the truth that our lives are lived before the audience of One – the King of kings. As we navigate the path toward the judgment seat of Christ, may our faith be evidenced by righteous living and love in action, drawing others into the transformative grace of our Saviour. May this message resonate in the hearts of believers across the Church of North India, inspiring a collective pursuit of holiness and a passion for Christ-centered living.

Amen

December 3, Sunday

Waiting for Jesus to Come

4th Sunday before Christmas

1st Advent Sunday

Isaiah 64.1-2,4-8

Psalm 80.1,3-7

1 Thess.5.1-11

Mark 13.28-37

 

Watchful Expectation: A Vigilant Advent Waiting

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

  As we embark on this sacred season of Advent, our hearts are filled with watchful expectation for the appearing of Christ. This anticipation is not a passive waiting but a vigilant and active readiness for the coming of our Lord. Our reflections today will be rooted in Isaiah 64:1-2, 4-8, Psalm 80:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, and Mark 13:28-37, guiding us to understand the essence of waiting for Jesus with watchful hearts.

1.Longing for Divine Presence

Isaiah 64:1-2, 4-8 captures the heartfelt cry of the people, expressing a deep longing for the manifest presence of God. “Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down” (Isaiah 64:1). The prophet’s words echo our own yearning for the tangible and transformative presence of Christ. Advent is a season where we recognize our need for God to break into our lives in new and powerful ways.Psalm 80:1-7 complements this theme, portraying the people of God as a vineyard in need of restoration. The psalmist implores God to shine His face upon us and revive us. As we wait for Jesus, let our longing be not just for His coming but for a renewed experience of His presence in our lives and communities.

2.Living in the Light of His Coming

Turning to Mark 13:28-37, Jesus instructs His disciples to be watchful and alert, comparing the signs of His coming to the budding fig tree. “Watch, therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house will come” (Mark 13:35). Advent is a call to live in the constant awareness of the imminence of Christ’s return.1Thessalonians 5:1-11 reinforces this watchfulness, reminding us that as children of the light, we are not destined for wrath but for salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our waiting is an active participation in God’s redemptive plan. As we await His appearing, let us live intentionally, shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope.

3.Cultivating a Heart of Readiness

As we eagerly await the first Advent Sunday, let us heed the call to cultivate a heart of readiness. Isaiah 64:8 beautifully illustrates the relationship between the potter and the clay, emphasizing God’s role as our Father and Creator. In this season of waiting, may our hearts be pliable in the hands of the Divine Potter, allowing Him to mould us into vessels of honour, prepared for every good work.Psalm 80:7 calls for God’s intervention, asking Him to stir up His might and come to save us. Our readiness is not a self-generated effort but a response to the transforming power of God. This Advent, let us surrender ourselves to His work, allowing Him to shape us into vessels ready for His purposes. Dear brothers and sisters, as we enter into the season of Advent, let us embrace a watchful expectation for the appearing of Christ. Longing for His presence, living in the light of His coming, and cultivating hearts of readiness, we actively participate in the divine narrative of redemption. May this Advent season be a time of deep spiritual reflection, preparing us to joyfully celebrate the birth of our Saviour and anticipate with hope His glorious return. Amen.

November 19

Assuring future for the girl child

2 Kings 5:1-5

Psalm. 8

Acts 12:11-17

Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

 

Verse for meditation: “He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha Koum!” (Which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”)”. (Mk.5:41).

  The word of God explains that God through His son Jesus has empowered the weak and the rejected persons. God has revealed His indiscriminate love through Jesus. There is no discrimination as male or female (Gal 3:28). Through today’s meditation, an attitude to accept and respect the girl child need to be usefully developed in the society. Their talents would be useful to families and the society at large. But the girl children face many challenges and they continue even today. They are challenged from womb to tomb from the stage of a foetus in the womb of their mother till their death at the tomb. They are at the risks of foeticide, infanticide, women trafficking, rape, dowry, domestic violence and the like. The social scientist named Ram Ahuja has segregated them under three major headings.   1. Criminal violence 2. Domestic Violence 3. Social violence   Every year these crimes are increasing at an alarming rate. During the study on this subject in the past five years 1,64,765 cases of 2006 have gone up to 2,13,585 in 2010. Out of this 6870 cases were on rape. We have reached a stage where the girl child has lost her safety and security at their work places and at homes, where they work. The rapid growth of the mass media, the mobile phones, internet and the social media has become a challenge to the ethical and safe movement of girls and women. In this scenario, we have a spiritual and ethical responsibility to reflect and act on the basis of the Scripture.  

1. The concern of God (2 King 5:1-5)

  The Holy Bible speaks of a God who is concerned about and strengthen the weak and feeble ones. God does not show favoritism. He is the God of All, both man and woman (Gal. 3:28; Acts 10:34). God has named ‘Adam’ not for man alone, but include woman (Gen. 5:2). The body is different, but the soul comes from God. In the Old Testament, we find that God has empowered women like Deborah and Hannah and used them as prophetesses (Lk. 2:36; Jud.4). The Old Testament includes biblical books in the names of Ruth and Esther. During the earthly life of Jesus many women were with him to minister (Lk.8:1-3). St.Paul reminds the church at Rome about the incredible contributions given by women to the body of Christ (Rom. 16). Here, we find a list of women, who gave leadership in the church. Women are created in the image of God. And He cares for them. 2King.5.1-5 gives a reading on how God used a maidservant, a small girl for the supernatural healing of Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aaram.  

2. The concern for the girl children should begin from families (Mk.5:21-24; 35-43)

  Both the Gospels and the Acts record how the parents came to Jesus with the concern of their weak or sick as dying girls (Mk. 5:21-24; 35-43; Acts 9:36-43). At first we should confirm the safety of our girl children at our homes itself. Parents have a major role towards care of their girl children. Parents should scrutinize and have an eye on their education, friendships and the needs of girls. St. Paul tells us “… do not exasperate your children instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). In our Indian culture, after marriage the girl is sent to another family. But at their own homes they are always haunted even from childhood with the thought that they are strangers in their own homes and at some stage they will be sent to another house in which they are strangers there too. When they reach the new house of the in-laws, they are considered as outsiders and as “one who has come from outside”. Here girls need a ‘space’ for them. Such ‘space’ should start at their homes itself. She is also a legal heir for the love of God that has been expressed through Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus has held the hand of the hapless girl and asked others to give her food. He is holding the hands of girls with his love who are weak due to many reasons and give them new life even today (Num.27:1-11). Moreover, the Lord reminds us to make sure the safety of the girls giving us that responsibility.  

3. Girls in the Ministry of the Kingdom of God (2 Kings 5:1-5, Acts 12:11-17)

  As we have seen in the Old Testament and the New Testament, God uses girls in the ministry. As mentioned above, when the young servant girl at the house of Naaman, the commander of the Army of the king of Aram introduced the ‘Living’ God to them, not only Naaman was healed, but also the difference between Aram and Israel have been healed. Peter was released from the jail by the angel of the Lord and he went to the house of Mary, the aunt of John Mark. They were all praying together. As Peter was knocking, a girl named Rhoda identified his voice and informed those praying about the arrival of Peter. Here the first step of faith had been set by a girl. But those who were praying did not believe her (Acts 12:12-15). But Rhoda could believe it and see the mighty act of God. The girl children have a great message in building up the church, society and the country through sharing the love of God. Let us encourage them to utilize their talents to the optimum level for building the Kingdom of God.  

Prayer

  Gracious God, who through Your Son made the weak and the rejected strong and whole, we praise you. Look mercifully on all the girl children who are rejected and marjinalized, and give them courage and new hope. Help us to receive the girl child as a full member of the community and restore all the honour and respect they deserve. May the talents and potentials you have endowed them with, flower fourth to become essential resources in the community. Help us Lord that we may together be liberated and equipped to use our mutual strengths and weaknesses, gifts and talents, opportunities and limitations, to contribute to the welfare of the whole world; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.  

November 26

Preparing for the Coming of Lord

Old Testament : Hos. 10:12-15

Psalm : 37:1-24

Epistle : Col. 4:1-6

Gospel : Lk. 12:35-40

 

Verse for meditation: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an our when you do not expect him” (Lk.12:40).

  The season of preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ is called Advent Season. The days from today up to Christmas are included in the advent season. The word of God warns us to prepare for the coming of the Lord. It gives hope and peace to the world. The prophets were talking about the coming of the Lord (Acts 3:18, 10:43; Lk. 24:44, 46, 47; Jn. 5:33). The Old Testament prophets have already prophesied regarding the birth of Jesus, the ministry of Jesus, the death and resurrection of Jesus and the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, the people of Israel were waiting with hope for the advent of Jesus. As we are preparing to celebrate advent, it is good to know that the expectation of the coming of Christ was a joyful expectation to the people of the Old Testament. The New Testament church had the knowledge of the second coming of Christ also. The victorious performance of every successful Christian life is to live as prepared to meet the Lord with happiness at his coming. Through the Apostle’s creed and the Nicene Creed as the church we acknowledge that the Lord Jesus will come again. The references regarding the second coming of Christ are found both in the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament for every 25 verse one verse refers to the second coming of Christ. There are at least 320 references regarding the second coming of Christ in the New Testament. Though the church believes in the second coming literally the Bible does not give any precise time of the coming (Matt. 24:36; 1 Thess. 5:2). Therefore, the church is asked to be ready at any time.  

1. The prophetic message: Be ready for the coming of Jesus (Hos. 10:12-15)

  It is more important to be prepared for the second coming of Jesus than the preparations for the celebration of the birth of Christ. “… until he comes and showers righteousness on you” (Hos. 10:12). Some view the second coming of Jesus as the most important incident that is to happen on this earth. This hope enables us to live in justice, holiness and truthfulness. Just as we meditate upon the birth of Christ, let us also meditate and prepare for the second coming of Christ.  

2. The Apostolic message: Be ready for the coming of Jesus (Col. 4:1-6)

  Saint Paul reminds the church to use the time profitably and get ready for the coming of Jesus. One should continue in prayer with thanks giving. Life should be lived in sanctity. This was the main teaching of the Apostle.

3. The message of Jesus: Be ready for the coming (Lk. 12:35-40)

  Jesus Christ also has indicated many times about his second coming. He taught that the servant who is awake when the master comes is blessed (Lk. 12:37). Again he taught “Gird your loins and let your lamp burning (Lk. 12:35). Be ready always hoping the coming of Christ (Matt. 24,25; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; Jn. 14:1-3, 16:1-5).  

Advent Sundays

  The days including the four Sundays before Christmas are called advent season. The first Advent Sunday is calculated as the last Sunday in the month of November. The English word advent has come from the Latin word adventus which means ‘coming’. In Greek language the word Parousia is used to mean the coming of Christ. During this advent season the coming of Christ is being meditated upon. In some of the western churches four different types of candles are being lit. The candle lighted on the first Sunday is called the candle of hope. Christmas gives a message of hope – the people walked in darkness and have seen a great light (Is. 9:2). The candle lighted on the second Sunday is called the candle of Bethlehem. The prophet Micah prophesied that though Bethlehem was the smallest province of Judah, the one who would become the ruler of Israel will come out of this place (Mic. 5:2). Bethlehem is the symbol of humility. The entrance of the nativity church at Bethlehem is very short. One has to bow down his head and enter into it. Only through humility one can meet the meek Jesus. Christmas is the symbol of humility and simplicity. The candle lighted on the third Sunday is called the candle of joy. Some churches call this the candle of shepherds also. Christmas gives the message of joy to all the people (Lk. 2:10). The fourth candle is called the candle of the angel lighted on the fourth Sunday. The announcement of the angel to Mary is the message for that day. Angel replied to Mary, “Nothing is impossible to God” (Lk. 1:26-38). Christmas gives such an auspicious and optimistic message.  

Prayer

  Almighty God, who restores all things in your beloved Son, Jesus our Lord, Sanctify our hearts and minds so that we may be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Help us to be like the wise virgins, ever vigilant and ready to meet your Son, the head of the Church. Let the whole creation be renewed and rejuvenated through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen.

December 3

1st Sunday in Advent

Joyful Expectation of Christ’s Coming

Old Testament : Jer. 33:10-16

Psalm : 68:11-20

Epistle : 1 Thess. 3: 6-13

Gospel : Lk. 1:39-45

 

Verse for meditation: “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Lk. 1:44).

  The advent of Jesus Christ has given hope and peace to the world. The coming of Jesus Christ had been foretold by the prophets (Acts 3:18, 10:13; Lk: 24: 44, 46, 47; Jn. 5:33). The birth of Christ, His ministry, His resurrection, his Second Coming – all these have been already prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. Therefore, the people of Israel were awaiting for the coming of the Messiah (Christ). As we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, it is good to know that the coming of Christ is a joyful expectation of his people. Primarily, we meditate about the decision we ought to take at the coming of Christ. Secondly, we think of the joy of the fullness of the Holy Spirit that we receive the coming of people through the right relationships with other fellow beings. Finally, we meditate on the second coming of Christ also.  

1. The coming of Christ: A Joyful experience (Jer. 33:10-16; 1 Thess. 3:6-11)

  The coming of Christ has given joy to the whole world. ‘A righteous branch sprout from David’s line’ is a matter of great joy to the people of Israel. Jeremiah says that very soon an optimistic day will break out to fulfill the prophecy (Jer. 33:10-16). This verse is seen on a prophetic utterance regarding the coming of Jesus Christ. The coming of Jesus Christ gives peace. To those who are without hope, it gives hope. Timothy who arrived from the church at Thessalonica shared good words about them to Paul and those words were comforting Paul. The testimony that they are strong in their faith in Jesus has made Paul rejoice. It gave a new life to Paul (1Thess. 3:6-13). As the coming of Timothy was a consolation both for Paul and the Church, all our relations and visits should become a cause for the sharing of the love and comfort that Jesus gives.  

2. The coming of Christ: Joy in the Holy Spirit

  Lk.1:39-45 reports the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth. Mary journeyed from Nazareth and reached the house of Zechariah in Judah and met Elizabeth. She was filled with the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:41). The baby in the womb of Elizabeth leaped with joy (Lk. 1:44). As we are preparing to celebrate the advent of Jesus Christ, we should also meditate upon the joy of such blessed friendly relationships and visits could bring to our lives. The joy we experience when two families meet together, the joy of the fullness of Spirit when two friends meet together. May God give us such experience!  

3. The Second coming of Christ: The eternal Joy (1Thess. 3:13-18)

  Another matter to be considered as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ is the return of the Lord. The greatest hope of the Christian believers is that Christ will come again to collect unto him the Church. St. Paul expounds the second coming of Christ in 1 Thess. 3:13; 4:16-18 and 5:1-3. The Church believes that the Lord Jesus will come to the middle sky and reward his people on that day (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:10). The Church affirms this faith through the words of both Apostles and Nicene Creeds. The meditation about the coming of Christ should not be forgotten after the Christmas celebrations. Rather we should be encouraged to wait upon daily for the coming of the Lord.  

Prayer

  God of all places and all times, In whose Son we find joy, hope, peace and salvation, Help us to pray and long for the fullness of salvation and grant us the grace to live the gladness of Your salvation all through our lives In order that You would find us blameless and holy in Your presence when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones, Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen  

December 10

2nd Sunday in Advent

Bible Sunday

Word of God: Light to our path

 

Old Testament : Is. 55: 5-13

Psalm : 119:105-112

Epistle : Gal.1:11-17

Gospel : Lk.1:57, 66-80

 

Verse for meditation: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105).

  Lord Jesus Christ has uttered seven “I am” sayings as recorded in the gospel of the John of them the second one is “I am the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12). Christ is the incarnate word. Therefore, the word of God is the light of the world – is light to our path. God calls us to come back to him leaving our evil ways and walk in the light of his word. God’s word will not return to God fruitlessly but it will accomplish its purpose and help men to obey God’s word.  

1. A call: back to the word of God (Is. 55:6-13)

  A call to enjoy the everlasting meal of God or the call to accept God and his ways is found in Is. 55:1-13. Those who are thirsty let them come and drink wine and milk, those who are hungry let them eat sumptuous meal and be happy. This is God’s call “The prophet continues to say that this word that comes out of the mouth of God is food (Ts. 55:11). The Psalmist says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Ps. 119:103). In other words this call is to trust in God’s word and surrender to the word of God.  

2. Word of God: A light for the path (Ps. 119:105 – 112)

  Psalm 119 talks about the various qualities of the word of God. This is also the longest chapter in the Bible. This Psalm has been divided into sections of eight verses with 22 alphabets of the Hebrew language with a total of 176 verses. They sing the different qualities of the word of God. The most famous one is “the word of God, the light of our path” (Ps. 119:105). The word of God stands as the light house for us when we are stumbled at problems. The basement for Christian life should be laid upon the word of God. The sky and the earth may change but the word of God will never change (Matt. 24:35). God’s word gives us faith in God (Rom.10:17). It gives total healing (Ps. 107:20). It instructs us and leads to do good works (2Timo. 3:16, 17). It cleanses (Prov. 30:5). God’s word invites us to read it, meditate upon it and believe it forever (Deut.6:6-8). Therefore, it is said that the word of God is a lamp unto the feet and light unto the path.  

3. God’s word: Divine revelation (Gal. 1:11-17)

  Paul says that he has been called for God’s ministry according to the revelation of God (Gal. 1:11-17, 2:1). The written word of God is the divine revelation for today. God speaks from time to time. We should understand them in revelation to the written word of God. The prophets of the Old Testament and in the New Testament, Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah (Lk. 1:57-66; 67-80), John, Christ and the Apostles – all were filled by the Spirit to utter words. But any revelation should be differentiated and understood in the light of the written word of God which is the right canon for discretion. That is the light unto the way, the lamp unto the feet.  

Prayer

  O God, eternal word, you speak to us and your church. We pray that you may help us to hear your word that we may turn to you, away from our evil doing through the word that is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths. Your word will not come to you without accomplishing the purpose for which it has been sent that we may walk in the path of peace. We pray this prayer in and through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit world without end, Amen.    

December 17

3rd Sunday in Advent

Hope of Salvation

Old Testament Zeph. 3:14-20

Psalm 43

Epistle 2 Pet. 3:8-13

Gospel Matt. 1:18-25

Verse for meditation: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21).     Thank God for the hope of salvation which man has received through Jesus Christ. The Greek word ‘soteria’ has been translated as salvation. In the New Testament salvation means the deliverance from the strength and powers of sin. The word soteria (salvation) is used in two places to point Jesus (Lk 2:31, 3:6) Simeon carrying Jesus in his hands declares, “Mine eyes have seen your salvation”. Christ is called the author of salvation (Heb. 2:10). The word salvation is used for the national liberation also (Lk 1:69-71, Acts 7:25). The Septuagint (LXX) uses soteria and its related words 483 times. The greatest blessing to a Christian is the hope of salvation. The idea of salvation is spread over at many places in the New Testament.

 Jesus as salvation (Lk 2:31; Heb 2:10).

 Spiritual Salvation. The deliverance a person receives from the punishment of sin through the faith in Jesus (Rom 8:10; Eph 2:4-8).

 The salvation of life or spirit (2 Pet 1:9).

 The salvation of the body or glorification (Rom 13:11).

 Total salvation (Heb 11:40; 1 Thess. 5:23).

As we meditate on the hope of salvation, first we meditate on God who saves. Secondly, the salvation received through the grace of Christ is also meditated upon. Finally, the total salvation of man and the cosmic salvation received at the end are also meditated upon.

1. God who saves (Zeph. 3:14-25)

Zephaniah speaks of a God who saves (Zeph. 3:14-20). Salvation comes from God. We inherit it by the grace of God. So the Psalmist says “hope of salvation” (Ps. 43:5). At many places in the Bible, we find the concept of a saving God. The Psalmist who is depressed in his heart finds peace after uttering these words. ‘Put your trust in the Lord, he is my savior’ (Ps. 43:5).

2. The hope of salvation assured in Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:18-23)

‘Jesus’ is called by this name because he saves men from their sins (Matt. 1:21). We attain this salvation through faith (1 Peter 3:9). Paul interprets that salvation is the gift of the grace of God (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is the free inheritance that Jesus gives men to reconcile with God who is separated by sin. So we are saved by grace (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 5:8; 5:2). A person receives it simply by faith. Thus, as Peter says salvation of the soul is received through faith without seeing.

3. The perfection of Salvation ( 2 Pet. 3:8-13)

One of the basics of Christian faith is the belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that at his coming the faithful those who died in him will be collected from the one end of the sky to the other from all the four directions (Mk. 13:37). The apostle says that he will appear for a second time not to bear sin but for the salvation of those who are waiting for him (Heb. 9:28). As said earlier, Saint Peter also explains the salvation that men will receive at the second coming of Christ (1 Pet. 1:11, 12; 2 Pet. 3: 8- 13). On that day all the tears will be wiped out permanently from our eyes. Death, sadness, mourning and pain will pass away. The old order of things will pass away and everything will be made new (Rev. 21:4, 5).  

Prayer:

  Almighty God, our Saviour, And our Hope of Salvation, Grant us the wisdom to live in anticipation of a new heaven and new earth, a holy and godly life, trusting in You as our Saviour and walking with You as our Immanuel In order that our hearts may be enlightened to know the hope to which You have called us, Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.  

December 24

4th Sunday in Advent

Rejoice, the Lord is near

Old Testament : Zech. 2:6-13

Psalm : 50:1-15

Epistle : 1 Thess. 5:12-24

Gospel : Jn. 16:16-24

Verse for meditation:   “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16).   The greatest demonstration of a victorious Christian living is to appear rejoicing, prepared to welcome the coming of the Lord. We affirm our faith that the Lord will come again through the Apostles and Nicene creeds. There are references to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament. For every 25 verses there is one reference to the second coming of Christ in the New Testament. There are almost 320 references in the New Testament regarding the second coming of Christ. It can be substantiated from the following verses.  

 The Testimony of Jesus (Mtt.24,25; Mk 13; Lk 21; Jn 14:1-3, 16: 1-5).

 The witness of the angels (Acts 1:11)

 The testimony of the apostles:

 Peter (Pet 5:4; 2 Pet 3:10-13 etc.)

 Paul (1 Thess. 4:16,17, 5:2 etc.

 Jude (14,15)

 James (James 5:7,8)

 John (1Jn 2:28)

 The testimony at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:26)

 The prayer of the Church (Rev. 22:20).

  The Church believes in the coming of the Lord in the literal sense, but the time of the coming is not given clearly (Matt 24:36; 1 Thess. 5:2). Therefore, the church is alerted to be ready at all times. There are different opinions on the purpose of the Lord’s coming. First and foremost, the purpose of the Lord’s coming is to comfort his people. Secondly, it is to judge the people. Thirdly, he comes to collect his own people into the glorious permanent tent.

1. For the comforting of his people (Jn. 16:16 – 24)

Jesus has promised that at his coming all tears will be wiped out and the sadness will turn into joy (Jn. 16:20). The New Testament presupposes that the Lord is coming to collect God’s people together and wipe away all tears from their eyes (1 Thess. 4:16,17; Rev. 7:17, 21:4,5). The apostle says that he comes for the salvation of those who are waiting for him. A total redemption will happen at the coming of the Lord (Heb. 9:28). This redemption is not only for man but it is a cosmic redemption. Paul says the whole creation groans with the birth pangs for the day of the appearing of the son of man (Rom. 8:18-25).

2. To judge (Zech. 2:10-13)

Some theologians are of the opinion that the judgment referred at Zech. 2:10-132 and 15.50:4-6 point to the judgment of the last days .On that day will happen a judgment that will bring down rulers from their thrones and lift up the humble, fill the hungry with good things and send the rich away empty (Lk. 1:51 – 53). Lord Jesus Christ will come back to render apt reward for all the works that everyone had done (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; Matt 12:36, 37; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor. 4:5).

3. Eternal place to be prepared (1 Thess. 5:12-24)

We find the teaching of Paul in Thess. 5:12-24 after talking about the second coming of Christ. He says that the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to give a permanent joyful eternal home for his people. It is believed that his people will live in eternity for endless ages (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev 21:1-3). One need to be called ‘faithful servant’ and enlisted here. Here is the essence of the Christian hope of living with the Lord who is the bride groom. So Paul admonishes to prepare and wait upon happily for the coming of the Lord (1 Thess. 5:12-24). One should be watchful and praying (Lk 21:26).

Prayer:

  Almighty God, Who deems us as the apple of Your eye as we joyfully wait to receive Your Son as our redeemer, sanctify our spirit, soul and body to be kept blameless at the coming to Your Son, so that when He shall come after a little while to be our judge with righteousness and faithfulness, we would behold Him with sure confidence, Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.