There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.  People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:25-27) NIV

     Today is the First Sunday of Advent. A time when Christians anticipate the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and await His Second Coming. Today we celebrate Hope.

     Long ago, the prophets foretold of the birth of a Messiah. A Messiah that would reconcile our relationship with God, that was broken in the Garden of Eden. We were hopeless and lost- separated from God. We needed some form of hope. Our hope arrived one cold, dark night, in a dirty stable, in the town of Bethlehem. Just when we needed it, hope arrived in the form of an infant, named Jesus. But the world had no place for our Savior-no room for Him, no time to be bothered.
     As we anticipate Christmas Day, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we also anxiously await the day of His Coming Again. We live in a dark world- filled with sickness, trials and confusion. We see hopelessness all around us. We as Christians, have accepted Christ, and have faith that a better day is coming. But the world, as a whole, has no place for our Savior-no room for Him, no time to be bothered.
     In this world of uncertainty, there is one thing we can be assured of. Just as Christ came to the stable long ago to bring hope to a lost and dying world, one day He will appear in the Eastern skies to call His children Home. Will you welcome Him on that day with shouts of joy or will you even know Him?