HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 3, 2011, the beginning of another new year. Hopefully you have your new year off to a great start, with plans to make it a wonderful year.

For some reason this week, in and around thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2011, my mind wandered back to December of 1999. Do you remember the dire predictions and worries floating around during that fall and winter just before the calendars turned over to 2000? I remember very distinctly having dinner in October of 1999 with friends who had filled their basement with every kind of provision they might possibly need. They were prepared for the disaster they knew was coming. Then when New Year’s Eve came and went without a hitch, they good-naturedly invited all of their friends to come to a party and share the bounty.

The memory was probably triggered by an article I read last week predicting disastrous times still ahead for America—again recommending people stockpile food and supplies because we could encounter very difficult circumstances in the upcoming months and years. The article was disturbing because it was very logical and made sense, drawing events from history to prove the point. If these predictions do come true, those who are prepared will be in a much better position than those who are not.

So will I do anything different as a result of reading the article? I don’t know. This I’m sure of, however. If I really believed the predictions I read, my belief would cause me to take action. Just like my friends did in 1999. They were absolutely convinced of the need to prepare for a disaster, and so they did.

Here’s another prediction that requires action and preparation: Jesus is coming back to take us home with Him. (John 14:4) He talked about it with His disciples the night He was betrayed and taken away to be crucified. He was offering His promised return as a comfort and encouragement for them because He knew they would miss Him.

Earlier He had told a parable about it, comparing Himself to an eagerly anticipated bridegroom. In Matthew 25:13 He warned us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” The context of this story implies a great celebration at His return—for those who are ready.

Paul mentioned it in his letter to the Thessalonians, telling them to “encourage each other with these words.” Again, for the prepared, Jesus’ return will be a time of incredible rejoicing.
But what about those who are not prepared? Now that would truly be a disaster. We see reminders all around us in everyday life of the difference between those who are prepared and those who are not. Like in the Christmas season we just celebrated—some people were prepared and could enjoy the peace and beauty of the season, taking time to worship the Savior as Christmas Eve approached. Some were not prepared at all, and were still frantically trying to get ready on the day before Christmas.

We read stories and watch movies and enjoy the drama of the last minute scramble or gift hunt, happy and relieved when the hero comes skidding in at the last possible moment.
But that’s not how it will be when Jesus comes. This one is too big, too important to miss. Too crucial to put off.

Have you made your preparations yet? I hope you have. I hope you’re ready to meet Jesus when He returns for you. But if by chance you’re not, would you make it a priority this year of 2011 to be ready to meet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when He returns to claim His own?

Happy New Year--
Deborah