The Beginning in the End

This will be my last post of 2015.  Somehow in my human pride I imagine that this will cause tears and mourning for someone (probably my mom).  While there, in reality, will be no tears from the absence of another post (due to the fact that I will be on vacation!), there is often a sense that comes at the end of the year of retrospection and introspection that can sometimes cause sorrow as we look back and find ourselves disappointed with our accomplishments for the year.  After all, we made resolutions and goals that this was going to be the year that we _____________________ (fill in the blank) and as of December 22 ____________________ remains undone.  And yet in the sadness and disappointment is a glorious reminder of the gospel.

Jesus came to earth precisely because of our failures.  On a much larger scale we must understand that our sin required that Jesus came to be born to die.  My failures to accomplish what I set my mind to should remind me of my failures to accomplish what God designed me to, and in that failure breaking the very relationship that I have with God.  But the glorious birth of our Savior reminds us that there is a beginning in the end.  Yes, the year is ending, we will never have another 2015.  But, there is a glorious beginning we have because of Christ.  Eternity with God.  We get to live forever with God.  And my temporary life on earth is just the beginning of this eternal life. 

What this actually reveals to me is how shortsighted my goal formation actually is.  I will make goals and plans for a 2016 that I am not even sure how much of it I will be around for.  After all, Christ could return tomorrow.  Perhaps my goal formation should be a little more eternal - doing and planning to do the things that matter most.  Now please do not misunderstand what I am saying, I am not saying that every moment of 2016 should be spent in church or witnessing or passing out tracts to people.  If you did this you would fail your important God-given responsibilities as a husband, or a mother, or a daughter, or a son.   But what I am suggesting is that your "mundane" responsibilities should be focused on the beginning in the end.  When you go to work, do so with the mentality that Christ is returning and He asks you to do your work as unto Him.  (Colossians 3:17)  When you are at home realize that you playing with your children has eternal implications.  In point of fact, the return of Christ being imminent gives increased value and meaning to each activity that we do and makes them that much more valuable. 

And yes, for most of us, there are things that we could do differently.  We could put down the remote for a few minutes and read our Bibles.  We could set the computer mouse aside momentarily and stop looking at cute cat videos and spend some time in prayer.  But Christ coming to earth has given meaning to life here on earth.  And we should realize that the baby in the manger was Immanuel, which means, "God with us".  And that God will be with us for eternity.  This really is just the beginning in the end.  Or more precisely, the beginning of the joy that never ends.  And in this we are indeed reminded of the gospel. 

Thank you Jesus.  And Merry Christmas!