Jesus Christ is Coming! Welcome!

I was sweeping the porch this week and realized that no one is going to come to our front door. Well, no one, but the delivery person.

Sweeping the front porch was always something we would do when we were having company. We would also clean the house and prepare a special meal. My Mom and Dad were so hospitable. They loved having people come over and they loved having out of town guest stay with us. They especially loved having Christian friends visit. Our family enjoyed lifetime friendships with many of those guests. We wanted them to know that we were glad that they were there, that we loved them.

At this time of year, we read about Jesus entering Jerusalem riding on a colt. How did others receive him? The pilgrim travelers going to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover were able to raise their voices in celebration. They spread their cloaks on the road and spread branches they had cut in the fields before him. They shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Wow, what a greeting? What a welcome?

Lets really imagine how the people in this event felt. They got to see Jesus riding into Jerusalem. How did it feel to be traveling with the Messiah? How did it feel to join this jubilant group of travelers on the road shouting praise? When he was in the temple courts, imagine the indignation the religious leaders felt when they heard even the children shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

Today we have a wonderful opportunity to welcome Jesus into our hearts, minds and homes. If he were physically returning today, would we be filled with joy? Jesus said, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”*

We have the opportunity to welcome the Lord. How do we get ready? Be a person that is completely devoted to God. A person that loves God with all that we are, someone that loves others as ourselves and someone that reflects Christ Jesus to the world.

Welcome, Lord Jesus Christ.

*Luke 21:27&28