Tempus Fugit.  In Latin it means, time flies. How true it is! Here we find ourselves at the end of a year almost gone. As it winds down it is a good time to pause and reflect on the year’s blessings and on the things that matter most in life. That’s why I love the Advent season observed for the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas.

Advent is a season of faith, reminding us of Christ’s humble birth. Our Lord emptied himself. He came to earth and was born in a lowly stable. Surrounded by filthy animals and meek shepherds, He took on the form of a servant.

Advent is a season of peace, reminding us that God’s Son came to suffer and die on a criminal’s cross. He humbled himself and was obedient so we might be reconciled with Him. It is only through Him that we find true peace on earth.

Advent is a season of hope, reminding us that all the prophecies concerning Christ’s first coming were fulfilled. And, we have full confidence that the prophecies yet to be fulfilled will soon come to pass. We look forward with hope and eager anticipation of His second coming.

Because time truly does fly, I find it important to reflect upon my life this holiday season.  As I celebrate, am I celebrating the true meaning of Christmas?  As I give gifts, do I stop and ask the Lord what He wants me to give Him?  And as I pray for God to shower blessings upon me, is my heart’s desire to be a blessing to Him?  These are the things that will matter when time is no more.

God has filled this year with open doors, joy, laughter, and too many blessing to count! He is good, all the time! But the truth is that this year has also been filled with shut doors, lost loved ones, pain, disappointment, and tears that only He knows about. This is life, but it’s also why the Advent season is so wonderful. Yes, it’s a celebration of what was done but also an anticipation of what is to come. One day very soon God will wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. The former things will pass away, and He will make all things new!

Are you prepared for His coming? Tempus Fugit. It is the most important question you can ask yourself. God who is rich in mercy, sent Jesus to suffer and die so He might take the punishment for our sin. On the third day He rose from the dead—showing the penalty of sin fully paid. God commands men everywhere to repent and put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. May I plead with you to cry out of God, confess, and forsake your sins. Trust in what Jesus did for salvation, not in your own deeds. If you do that God promises eternal life, true peace, and a new heart that will desire righteousness. And then may your heart cry out with mine this Advent season — O come, O come, Emmanuel.