The Advent Calendar - Pt. 22

 

[Jesus said] “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV).

 

Before I get to the hope this celestial convergence can bring to us, I think it may be helpful to look at the prophetic background of such events. For some it may be surprising that there is so much talk about these two planets aligning near the time of Christmas. Even apart from the Christmas season, it does seem the case that believers get excited about blood moons and other astronomical events. There is some Scripture we should revisit.

 

§  First we should turn to the first mention of “heavens” in the Scripture: “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.” (Genesis 2:1). The takeaway is in the truth that God is the sole source of all creation, including the vast reaches of the known and unknown universe. God created the heavens and our planet. This includes every speckled star we see in the night sky. So, of course we should be invested in the beauty of creation that our Creator has formed for us. 

 

§  Now, we should look at our reading today: “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.” (Luke 21:25). One of the key signs that we’ve reached the events to occur in Revelation happens in a natural disaster level and via signs in the cosmos. Christians should get excited about astronomical signs because it reminds us that Christ will come again to set the world right.

 

§  Last, we ought to look at the last book in the Bible: “The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.” (Revelation 8:12). At the end of days, we will see signs in the skies from the sun darkening, the moon turning blood red, and the stars falling like figs. Scripture has told us to watch vigilantly for the Day of the Lord, and when we see these signs, we will be ready for that day. 

 

Now with all that said, we should also add that it's dangerous to place all of our hope in astronomical signs and predictions. After all, none of us knows the day or hour in which the Son of Man will return. The key is not when Jesus will come, but that he will come. That provides us with an unshakeable hope in eternity. And, this could be the time! Tomorrow I’ll list some specifics about that hope. Today, renew your hope. Our salvation draws nearer with each passing moment!