Maranatha! Come Lord, Come!

Luke 2:9

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Do you have any idea why we celebrate Advent – or don’t? Advent is more than the period of time that begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and runs through Christmas Eve. It is more than merely a time of awaiting the coming of the baby Jesus in the manger. In the fourth century when they began to celebrate Advent – it was also a time of remembering and waiting on the Lord’s return.

Have you ever heard the term Maranatha? It is an Aramaic term that literally means – Come Lord, Come – and was often used to invite our Lord’s return. I have used it for years on this blog page and in my e-mails (at times).

Not only is the Glory of God seen when Jesus is being born – and the glory of the Lord shone around them – but the Glory of God will shine when Jesus returns. Describing Christ’s departure from each Luke records these words:

Luke 21:27 – At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

As we approach Christmas this year – let us not only look toward the baby Jesus – but also remember the returning Messiah – the King of Kings – the Lord of Lords.  Let us cry out – Come Lord, Come – Maranatha!

Just something for us to think about today as we go on our way.