Looking forward to Christmas

What do think is the most romantic time of year?

I have always considered it to be Christmas: the festive atmosphere coupled with below freezing temperatures that bring people together or the fresh winter air contrasting with the warmth of a hand and a breath.

After a recent evening at church, I once again felt the ache, but in my futile attempts to express the ineffable, I stumbled upon an insight into what I actually sought: something to look forward to.

For a single person, it is one thing to set goals, make plans, fulfill responsibilities, think, read, write, code, play, socialize, work and all sorts of other good activities. Yet after each trial or accomplishment, something feels missing: someone to share it with. Without someone to look forward to seeing when the work is done, the motivation for the work is diminished.

While pondering these thoughts, the song Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) played on the radio and on the wings of its soaring chorus I realized: this looking forward to being with someone is what Advent is all about. Listen to any carol and you’ll feel it–the joyful longing and sweet anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. Read the Scriptures and you can experience the deep desire for his return:

So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-5)

So if you find an abiding desire for someone to look forward to seeing amidst the joys and sorrows of daily life, take heart! Whether or not God satisfies that desire through a significant other now, there is someone to thoroughly look forward to seeing and being with: Christ.

The first time he entered this love story was to lay down his life for his Bride (people like you and me, if we believe in him) and when he returns it will be to eliminate evil, to establish his righteous reign, to wipe away our tears and turn to them to joy, and to throw the greatest wedding party in history.

Singles, could anything compare to that day when you see God face to face?

Or if you do not know God, would you like to?

PS, learn more about Advent by following this devotional.