A Day Closer

https://odb.org/MY/2021/12/31/one-day-closer-to-christmas

We had looked forward towards Christmas and now Christmas is over. We looked forward to the year-end holidays and today is the last day of the year. Of course for us who are Chinese Christians, Chinese New Year or CNY is exactly a month away this time on 1st February 2022. So at least for us Chinese believers we have another festival to look forward to although it’s back to the grind for most of us come Monday. I for one have circa 12 contracts to negotiate and close this coming January 2022 and I say wow to myself!

So one way to comfort ourselves after Christmas is over is to say that we are one day closer to Christmas, the next one! It’s the same with our birthday. After it is over, we are one day closer to our next birthday.

The only problem with that is that we are sounding a little bit presumptuous. It’s as though we think we will live forever when we know that life and death is in the hands of God. Will we live till the next Christmas, our next birthday? Will we? We will never know for sure what our next moment is, what more months ahead! Life is vanity indeed! We are but a fleeting moment in time.

I think as humans we need to plan ahead, prepare in advance in terms of work, ministry, calling, savings, retirement and if we are younger in terms of education, experience, exposure, career progression, ministry, family, children, children’s education etc. However, I think we must always also remember at the back of our heads that anytime the Lord may call us back or He may return. Like our marriage vows for those of us who have married – “till death do us part or till our Lord returns”. Even if the world as we know it doesn’t come to an end just yet, our time here on earth may come to an end.

So I do agree with the ODB writer today – another day is indeed another day closer to our Lord’s return. Every day forward, any new day is a day closer. A day closer to us meeting Jesus, whether we go or whether He comes. Are we ready? Have we fulfilled His calling for us? In our planning for our next birthday, our next Christmas – have we charted what we will do for our calling in Christ? Are we on the way or out of the way? Are we even on the chosen path, the narrow road? Let’s take some time to think and reflect and pray as 2021 comes to an end and 2022 begins.

Blessed 2022 and may 2022 be a better year for all of us in all that we do; our work, ministry, family and our faith and walk with God! Happy New Year, everyone! Take care and stay safe!