December 25, 2019
2 Peter 3:8-13
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

New International Version (NIV)
With attentive patience we have anticipated this day.  The twelve days of Christmas start today and go through January 6.  But in Advent we have waited for Christ’s coming, using this acronym:  watching, attending, interceding and trusting. 

While we wait for Christ’s return, he comes to us again and again when we least expect it.  He speaks in corporate worship as we teach each other through songs and scripture and prayers.  We may think we are waiting on him, but Peter says he is waiting on us.  He will keep his promise and return.  God is patient because he does not want to judge us in our sin.  Today is our chance to repent and live for him. 

So how do we prepare for Christ’s return?  We live holy and godly lives.  We look forward and hasten his coming.  Jesus’ return will be good news for those who are ready.  But those who are not ready will experience judgment.  We look forward to a new heaven and a new earth.

Christ was born in a stable in Bethlehem so that he might live our life, die our death and return someday to make all things new.  In fact he has already started.  As we open our new gifts today let us offer our lives to God as holy sacrifices believing that he will make us new, if we want to be new.  Do you?  I do.

Pray with me:       
Father, on this Christmas day we thank you for all the good promises that have come true in Jesus.  You are the one we have waited for.  Just now we realize that you have been waiting for us.  If there is something from which we need to turn to be right with you, please reveal it to us now.  “Take our lives and let them be consecrated Lord to thee.”  O God who is making all things new, please make us new today as we remember your newborn son.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 

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