Looking Forward

   It is Advent season. It is the time of year where we wait expectantly for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. And to be honest, I have not really observed Advent much before, but nevertheless I still think it is a pretty cool way to commemorate the birth of Jesus. And as we look forward to Christmas, I am reminded of many other things that I look forward to. I look forward to being done with classes. I look forward to being home. I look forward to seeing my beautiful girlfriend and embracing her tenderly. I look forward to huge meals prepared by my amazing mom. I look forward to deep father-son talks with my dad. I look forward to ski season again. I look forward to my internship with my church next summer. I look forward to serving God in ministry for the rest of my life. I look forward to graduating college. I look forward to marriage and setting up a new life. But of all the things that I look forward to, nothing compares with the eager expectancy with which I await the Second Coming of Jesus to earth.
   I can't sleep some nights because I am so excited to get to heaven. I am so excited about seeing Jesus, and touching him, and looking into his everlasting eyes. I want so badly to just go on a walk with Jesus. I want him to tell me that he is proud of me. I want to feel his heartbeat as I embrace him. I want to see how infinitely creative he can be when not limited by the confines of earth. I can't wait to spend an eternity in heaven. I can't wait to be in the presence of God on his throne. I can't wait to be blown away by his absolute splendor.

Fall more in love now with the One you are going
to be with then.

   Today in chapel, Dr. Nyquist, the president of Moody Bible Institute, preached about eternity and heaven. He said that we need to get more homesick for heaven because heaven will be far more beautiful and glorious than we ever imagined. And I certainly agree. We need to long for heaven more. And what will help us to long for an eternity with God even more is love. Yes, love. We must fall more in love now with the One we are going to be with then. Because when we do, we will yearn to be with him there. This is an easy concept for me to grasp. I am in love with the most amazing girl ever, but we are living miles apart. So I eagerly anticipate the day I can see her again. But I am so much more in love with the Creator of everything, and it is only when I get to heaven that I will get to see him. And I want that day to get here so bad, I can hardly wait.
   Do you yearn to be with God? Or is this earth just fine for you? Do think that you could get used to this place, so you settle in with all the comforts that this world provides? Or do you strip away everything that would hinder you from falling more in love with God? I challenge you: Do everything you can to fall more in love now with the One you are going to be with then. Get a little homesick.