Sunday 27th November Day 1

Its the first Sunday in Advent.  And I have this book by Joyce Huggett called Approaching Christmas which is a series of meditations for Advent.  I have used it before to help me focus on the real meaning of the season.  And this year I thought maybe I would write down my thoughts as I go along.  And possibly add some stuff...... and then put it out there for anyone else who might be interested to read.
So here we go.   Joyce splits her advent thoughts into three parts.  Inspired by the little phrase 
Christ came
Christ comes
Christ will come again.


She starts by focusing on the fact that Jesus is going to come back, then looks at the fact that he is present in our today and finally as Christmas approaches, focuses in on the fact that He became incarnate 2000 years  ago.   Seems good to me.   So lets start by thinking about His return.
¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.    1 Thess 4  16-18


I wonder what it will be like to meet Jesus face to face?


This year Ive spent alot of time on Facebook.  And through this rather amazing and wonderful tool I have been able to reconnect with people I havent seen in years.   Friends from school.  People to whom I was very close in my teenage years but from whom I drifted as life went on.  And now we are back in touch and it is such a joy.  Fantastic to see photographs of children I never knew existed.  To hear news and be able to exchange life stories.   Via Facebook a group of girls with whom I was very friendly at school have all re established contact and a few weeks ago they had a reunion.  In the town where we all grew up.   


I wasnt able to go.   


They posted photographs - nobody had changed a bit and they all looked as though they were   having so much fun.   I wonder how it would feel to be reunited with those friends again after all these years.  I know that they all really really enjoyed the experience.  


University friends of mine, with whom I have kept better touch over the years but who I dont see often are planning a big get together next year.   i shall definitely be at that one!   Cant wait.  


There is something very special about seeing dearly loved friends after a time apart. 
I imagine Jesus is feeling something like this as He waits to meet us.   And when we see
Him.....   well, I cant start to imagine what that will feel like.   As we start to think about the coming of Christmas and focus on the events of 2000 years ago lets remember to look forward with anticipation too.  To a time when we shall be with Him forever.  No more tears.  No more sadness.    Sounds good to me.


Lord,
Thank you for helping me to stop for a while today just to think about the fact that You are coming back.  That You and I are going to meet face to face one day.  Maybe one day soon.   And that when it happens it will be a moment to top all reunions.   Help me to be ready for You when you come.  With oil in my lamp, not ill prepared and caught unawares.  Help me to recognise You when You come to me.
Lord, bless all those dear friends who are far away and whom I have not seen for years but who are nonetheless precious and special to me.  Thank you for all the marvellous gadgets and innovations which help us to stay connected.  Bless all the bonds of friendship and keep them strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SxToTUoWGM