We’ve been looking forward to Christmas for quite a while. The children hang ornaments with great care on our tree. We count the number of days until Christmas during calendar time. We open paint jars to make some super-secret gifts for parents. Voices join in singing Away in a Manger and Go, Tell It on the Mountain. Bible time is spent in wonder at God’s awesome love in sending us baby Jesus. Yes, we look forward to Christmas every year.

In our Bible reading, Peter wrote about looking forward to Jesus’ second coming. Throughout his ministry, Jesus promised his return. He comforted his followers saying, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3). What comfort we receive knowing Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us! We can’t count the days on our calendar, but we trust this wonderful promise.

In the meantime, we get ready. Just as we prepare our homes and classrooms for Christmas, we prepare our hearts for Jesus’ return. Peter advises us to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. God has given each of us gifts and abilities to share his word in this world. We join together to worship and sing his praises and then we go out to share the good news in a world that knows Jesus less and less. We comfort a struggling coworker. We share the peace of Jesus through words and actions as we go about our daily lives. We teach children and their families about the wonders that await us in heaven. We look for ways to share Jesus’ peace with the people in our community and throughout the world.

But spotless and blameless? We will struggle and miss opportunities. But Jesus can still use us, as imperfect as we are. He sends us out, covered with his forgiveness. We are at peace, knowing that baby came on the first Christmas, lived the perfect life we cannot, and ultimately suffered and died for our failings. Now we look for his return, at peace and sharing his peace. Come, quickly, Lord Jesus!