“And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back in shame.” (1 John 2:28) NLT
How amazing it will be to see Jesus’ face on His return. Whether we see it on this side of heaven or while in heaven, the day He returns to wipe away all sin, sadness, and pain from this world will be a time to rejoice.
No matter how bad I feel on this side of the fall, I know this is temporary, and He is eternal. I do believe this pain has a purpose. Sometimes it takes our pain to bring us to our knees because from this vantage point, we can look up and choose to see Christ.
I want no one to shrink back in shame the day the Lord comes. I want as many people as possible to approach Him with courage. It is not in our perfection that we can courageously look upon our Savior, but if we chose to wear His righteous perfection, we are made worthy.
The Christmas season is upon us. The presents lack their luster because it is the presence of our Christ that I want to celebrate.
This is my favorite Christmas song by one of my favorite Christian singers. What beauty it will be to behold the Great I Am!

Thanks again and Merry Christmas! Jesus is our present!
Amen!!
Thank you for this excellent post! “And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back in shame.” (1 John 2:28) NLT We certainly do NOT want to shrink back in shame. Dear Father, Keep us focused on You always. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Amen, Kathleen. Sometimes I read Scripture, and it just hits me with its purpose. His Word, even the smallest sentence, can change the course of a life. Thank you so much for your beautiful comment.