Christ's Advent Calendar
"This gospel of the kingdom will be preached
in the whole world as a testimony to all nations," Matt. 24:14.

Advent is here, the season when we reflect on Christ' first coming and
anticipate His return. Some Christians use Advent calendars, which have a
series of little doors to be opened day by day. Behind the doors are
Christian symbols and pictures appropriate to the season. When I was a child,
the highlight of our Advent devotions was to discover what was behind the
next door.

Every now and then I run into Christians who tell me, "The Lord could
return any day, because all the signs in the Bible have been fulfilled."

"Really?" I ask them. "What about Matt. 24:14? There Jesus says, 'And
this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony
to all nations, and then the end will come.' If the task of world
evangelization were completed, wouldn't we be in heaven right now? The truth
is that while we have made significant progress, about 10,000 people groups
still have never heard the good news of the kingdom preached to them in a
manner they can understand."

We might be tempted to use Matt. 24:14 as a hammer, saying, "Christ
hasn't returned yet, because we haven't finished our mission task. So let's
get to work." But a glimpse at the context reveals Jesus intended this verse
as a promise, not a prod. Matt. 24:9-12 lists several difficulties that will
confront Christian witnesses:

• Betrayal
• False prophets
• Increased wickedness
• Hatred
• Arrest and persecution
• Martyrdom

Despite the rising hostility, Jesus promises in Matt. 24:13-14:

• We will be saved if we stand firm.
• Gospel preaching will proceed steadily until it penetrates all nations.

No matter what obstacles we may encounter, these promises stand firm. And
how shall we know when the great global task is finally completed? It's
easy--the end will come!

The thoughts of today's message are summarized in this poem.

"Christ's Advent Calendar"
Some celebrate the First Coming of Christ--
Opening doors on Advent calendars,
Counting the days till the glorious night.
Some concentrate on the Last Coming of Christ--
Setting dates and hours, and watching them pass,
Counting the signs till the glorious day.
Since, between the First Coming and the Last
Lies the broadcast of Good News to the globe,
Christ counts the time by nations and persons,
Opening doors for His heralds to enter,
Counting lost sheep as they hear His voice call.

1. How do you anticipate the approach of Christmas? Have you ever used an Advent calendar?
2. Reflect and comment on the obstacles to mission predicted in Matt. 24:9-12. 3. Reflect and comment on the two promises in Matt. 24:13-14.

1. On the bottom sheet place: Gospel verses; small maps of different nations; or small photos of faces cut from magazines like "National Geographic." Include as many items as there are days from when you start until Christmas or Epiphany.
2. On the front sheet cut out little doors that when opened reveal the maps and faces. Place a number or date on each door. Decorate the cover sheet in any way you like.
3. Glue the two sheets together around the perimeter.
4. As part of your devotions, open a door each day and pray for the Gospel to open doors and hearts among the nations.