Wedding near Christmas...

We went to a wedding today. We didn't know the couple, but that's ok here... as long as you're somehow connected to a friend of the bride and groom and live close-by, it's kind of understood that you can come.
"Weddings" here are like "Wedding Receptions" in the states. Meaning, most of the time you never actually see the actual ceremony and sometimes the groom isn't even there yet. Guests just greet the parents, eat, and leave.
Today while we were leaving the groom showed up. We've seen this before and even participated in a couple of friends' "arrivals" as they were the grooms. It's generally known what day he'll come, but what time he actually shows up always varies and the bride has to be ready.
Everytime we witness the bridegroom coming, we're reminded of the story from the Bible about Jesus telling of his second coming. He says we all need to be prepared because he could show up at anytime...those not prepared will be left outside the incredible celebration when he comes to get his bride.

How awesome then that we celebrate Christmas?

I mean, the first time Jesus came, he came as a baby.
Angels announced his arrival as the salvation God had promised long ago with Abraham.
The world was finally getting it's Savior.

Wow.
God totally fulfills his promises.

Which, being reminded of God's perfect record of promise-keeping, and his promise that he would come again, means we can count on him doing it.

The second time it's not gonna be as a sweet baby boy to save, but as the Almighty King and Judge to claim his bride and finally set the world straight.

WOW.

It's gonna be incredible.
MORE incredible than those angels that appeared to the shepherds back in Bethlehem.
And it's for sure gonna happen.
Just nobody knows when.
Just like nobody knew when he was coming the first time.

But just like that Groom came for his GORGEOUS bride today,
He IS coming.
I'm so glad we got to go to that wedding today and be reminded once again of His promises.

Our job now is to let Christmas remind us of God's perfect promises
...and to make sure we are ready for when He comes again.