The needles on the tree were pretty much dry by now. The lights were still bright, but some of the glow had dimmed. You could one see the tree stand which was concealed only a few hours ago by the boxes covered in brilliant Christmas paper with scissor teased ribbon & hand tied bows. "Silver Bells" & "Silent Night" no longer dominated the radio waves. It was time for the "New Year."
The announcement had been made at church several weeks before. It was called "Watch Night Service." Starting times varied, and the content of the service was filled with a variety of elements. Of course, there was prayer, congregational singing, and "testimonies" were scattered in among the mix of the programming.
As the last minute or so of the old year ticked off of the clock, the prayer would begin that would connect the old year to the new. Sometimes the prayers were loud, and sometimes there was an atmosphere of sacred quietness. There would almost always be a feeling of well-being as we gathered up our belongings, put on our coats, and exited the building.
Here we are again, keenly aware of the clicking of the clock as it marks the closing of 2013. 2013 - almost foreign words to those of us who remember other years and the nights as we "watched" the year end. As we quickly approach this seemingly never ending cycle, we would do well to remind ourselves of another impending changing of time.
The stark reality of the most significant "time changer" needs to be considered along with thinking of the quick approach new year, which, by the way, will pass in short order. I somehow doubt if this forever event happens with the hour, minute, and second hands all coming into alignment on the number 12 at the top of a clock.
Rest assured my dear friend, it will happen. God says it in His Message to us in the Bible. "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."(1 Corinthians 15:52) Now that will be a clock stopper, a "nothing will ever be the same" moment.
Some will know immediately what has taken place as the reports start coming in on the mass disappearances. Some say that graves will actually open in a similar fashion as the large rock that was displaced when Jesus stepped out of His borrowed grave. I certainly think that would be a nice "touch" to the event, further revealing to those who were once taught about something called the "resurrection" of what it was that just happened. Who could even imagine the horror and despair that will sweep over people in a tidal wave of realization that the rapture has just taken place?
My father-in-law, in his Christmas admonition to his family concluded his remarks by saying, "just be ready." He reminded us again of what God said to us, "... be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:44) It was a serious word, but appropriate.
I sincerely believe that 2014 will be an eventful year. No one knows its exact content except The Lord Himself, but plan on it, big things are ahead. There is nothing that will be more important to us personally than our need to be prepared - personally prepared for whatever The Lord has in store. Are you ready? I mean to say, are you ready for the all time clock-stopper for you - personally? Someone asked, "Is this the last generation?" The confident answer was given, "For you it is." The familiar declaration in our childhood game of Hide and Seek will soon be played out, "Ready or not, here I come." Except, there will be no declaration, no warning, or notice. He will just come - Between Blinks.
Adana and I are praying for you and with you. I am believing that our large family of friends across this land are praying for us, too. Let's get ready. Let's stay ready. As 2014 comes in, and flashes before us, let us RE-ENGAGE in the most noble of causes. Let us RE-INVEST our mind, body, and soul in promoting the Kingdom of God. Let us RE-NEW our faith and confidence in The Lord. He is faithful.
