Finished

That’s it for another year. After all the hype that started in late October, the presents are given and received, the big turkey dinner and all the trimmings have been demolished, and the high calorie desserts have been digested (almost). Now, as my old Dad would have said, it’s back to ‘old claes an’ porridge’. It’s a bit of an anti climax when all you have to show for the big day is an expanding waistline.

But the great thing for the people who call themselves Christian, is that it isn’t over. It’s another reminder of the baby who started His earthly journey among us as Immanuel, “God WITH us”, but it wasn’t the end of the story. With the exception of a small family incident when He was only 12 years old, Jesus life is silent until He explodes onto the scene some 18 years later on. It is worth reminding ourselves that Jesus’ ministry lasted a short 3 years, before he was crucified aged 33 in disgrace with common thieves. What a tragic end that started with angels announcing His birth!

When he had received the drink, Jesus said,“It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 NIV

Hold it right there, because just as the baby Jesus in the manger was NOT the start, because Jesus was with the Father ‘in the beginning’, the Cross was not the end. It is worth keeping in mind the words spoken by our Lord as he hung on the cross, taking our sins on His own body, “IT IS FINISHED”. Christian, take note and take heart, it’s not over yet, and we are comforted by the fact that He is STILL IMMANUEL GOD WITH US, and he is coming back for His own. Amen to that!

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 NIV

So when you wonder if the troubles of this life are all worth it, because the Christmas season of Jesus birth is past, and the events of the crucifixion get you down, look up and remember Jesus words at that dark time when He talked about the plan of salvation: ‘It is finished’. However....it is not ALL over yet, but it will be one day, and in the words of the old song: ‘It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus’. Yes, there is more to our lives than the trials we have here. The Apostle John sums up our eternal future in these amazing words, so take heart fellow pilgrims:

I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighbourhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.” Revelation 21:3-5 The Message