God’s Presence #8—Gloriously Present

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Finally, the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me on that day; and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8

For Paul, Christ’s first appearance revealed God’s grace as he “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” “He gave himself for us to free us from wrong-doing and to purify for himself a people that are distinctly his, who are eager for good works.” But as Paul concluded his last letter to his protégé Timothy, he looked forward to the time of Christ’s second appearance which will reveal him in the fullness of his glory. It will also be the occasion at which Paul will finally become a completely righteous man. So he encourages Timothy and us to persevere and maintain a fervent love for what will be when Christ returns, rather than a paltry love for a temporal and ephemeral source of joy that is inexorably decaying. This year’s prayer helps us celebrate our delight in both of his appearances.

The early morning hours of Christmas day
Were filled with wondrous sights as songs were raised,
And shepherds joined with angel choirs, amazed
That you had come to take our sin away.
Expected, yet surprising all the same,
Your birth incorporated love and grace;
With joy you bore our ruin and disgrace,
So that one day we’d celebrate your name.
For now, we fight the fight, we stay the course,
We keep the faith, we run the righteous race;
We’re eager for the day you’ll reappear.
We love that you will be the splendid source
Of endless peace and joy and love and grace,
And that you’ll make your glory crystal clear.