Advent ends with Epiphany (meaning “revealing” or “manifestation”) on January 6th. The holy day is to remind us that all that we see around us has an expiration date and that one day, Jesus’ Return will usher in the True, eternal realm. Here is a devotion that helps prepare us for this eventuality:

IN WORD Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? What does it all mean? These are the existential questions the philosopher in every human heart has asked throughout history. A glimpse into the throne room shows us an answer, or at least part of one. The ultimate value in creation, apparently, is worship of the King. All kinds of creatures bow before Him, unable to utter words that don’t reflect His honor and glory. This rainbow-encircled, thunderous, blazing presence is the highest value in all of existence.
We were created not as independent beings but in relation to Him. He is the reference point for everything. That means that if we pursue other things with greater zeal, we are out of sorts with this throne-room reality. If we dishonor Him or even neglect Him, we stand in contradiction to the epicenter of all visible and invisible universes. If we think, speak, or act in any way that does not reflect that we and all things were made by Him and for Him, we are falling short of our true design. If the heart of existence is the throne room of God, worship is the heartbeat.
IN DEED That doesn’t mean all of life is a never-ending hymn or praise chorus, or that heaven is an eternal church service, or that we become devoid of personality and pleasure for the sake of reverence and awe. No, it means we become fully alive, pulsating with the adventure of knowing Him and being overwhelmed by Him, throbbing with the desire to dive deeper into His presence and experience the unexplainable. The world needs people who are blazing with the excitement of His presence—and who will burn with the mystery of His presence for all to see. Only then is the world drawn to its true purpose. And only then do hearts with big questions find their rest. “The worship of God is not a rule of safety; it is an adventure of the spirit.” – Alfred North Whitehead (“Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

It is so easy to pack up Christmas and “return to normal.” But how wrong that would be! In reality, Christmas is being unpacked, and this world is being packed up! Jesus’ Return is closer today than it was yesterday – and many believe Matthew 24 is nearing fulfillment.
If Jesus were to return tomorrow, would you be ready? Take time to reflect on Matthew 24 – 25 and Revelation 1 – 3 this week, asking the Holy Spirit to help you live in the right realm. We still cannot be certain whether Jesus will come tomorrow or a hundred years from now, but we should all be prepared and look steadfastly for Christ’s return and coming rule! Happy 2024! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam