And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:9-11 ESV).
Jesus descended to earth by way of a virgin’s womb. And He ascended on clouds of glory.
Though He left, He did not leave us as orphans (John 14:18). He promised to be with us (Matthew 28:20). And He sends the Holy Spirit to God’s children.
But He also left us the marvelous gift of hope.
Timothy Keller succinctly said, “The opposite of joy is not sadness. It’s hopelessness.” Christians need not despair in hopelessness. Being hopeful isn’t to deny the troublesome things that happen in our world. Hope doesn’t avoid sorrow and suffering, but realizes it is temporary. It holds us. It gives faith perseverance . . . joy. We don’t have to “mourn in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appears.”
When Jesus foretold the dreadful things His disciples would witness and experience, He told them not to “be alarmed” (Matthew 24:6). They could rest in His sovereignty and authority—even through times of war and persecution.
Unwrapping these countless gifts this month has reminded us of that sovereignty and authority. A December in the gospels has given hope eyes to see Jesus. To know and trust Him more.
I’ve never known a Christmas where I’ve opened more gifts! Priceless gifts of our Lord’s grace. We’ve stacked them to the rooftop! And yet there are so many we couldn’t possibly count. Not only because we ran out of days but, as John aptly noted in wrapping up his gospel, the world can’t possibly hold the massive mount of books it would take to write down everything Jesus did (John 21:25). (Which could be a great way to spend the new year!)
So, I can think of no better way to close than by giving Him a gift. A gift of worship!
We have songs to sing His praise forevermore, but I landed on this one:
Majesty, worship His majesty.
Unto Jesus be all glory, power, and praise.
Majesty, kingdom authority,
Flow from His throne,
Unto His own,
His anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high
The name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty.
Jesus, who died, now glorified,
King of all kings.
(Majesty by Jack Hayford)
May Your faithful love rest on us, Lord, for we put our hope in You (Psalm 33:22). May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen our hearts in every good work and word (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
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