Look Up by Angie Fuller, Children's Pastor

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.

Luke 21: 27-28

I think it started with a photo our daughter texted last winter during her evening shift at work. She was awed by the gorgeous sunset and briefly paused to capture its dazzling pinks and oranges. Since then, our “family chat” has collected various photos from all of us – sunrises, sunsets, the northern lights dotted with stars, and even a video of lightning illuminating a thunderhead. I think we all value these occasional reminders to look UP at the sky. To marvel at its beauty. Its vastness. Its power.

This scripture passage from Luke is part of a larger conversation that took place outside the temple in Jerusalem. As Jesus’ followers admired the beauty of the temple, Jesus probably surprised them a little by launching into gloomy predictions. The temple would be destroyed, followed by the entire city (which happened about 40 years later). Then he predicted his return to Earth – which we still await – and said apprehension and anguish would precede it. As we read this, bad news seems to shadow the good. But his promise is powerful. Unlike his quiet birth to a lowly couple in a small town, his return will be with power and great glory in the clouds. No one will miss it! Goodness and justice will ultimately triumph!

We long for this, but what does it mean for us now, as we care for our families, go to work and school, and experience broken relationships, diseases, and news of wars and starvation? I’m struck that amidst Jesus’ descriptions of terror and confusion is his command to “lift up your heads.” It’s what we will do to watch his return, of course. But I wonder if it also serves as a reminder to look up and away from ourselves.

American culture fosters nearsightedness. We are easily consumed by our families, our schedules, our needs and wants, our homes, plans, traditions, and opinions. How many hours a day do we even spend staring down at devices just a few inches away? Yes, we will always have daily responsibilities and experiences that pull us toward earthly things. But let us not be so consumed that we lose perspective.

During the month ahead, whenever we hear “Joy to the World,” a hymn written not about Christ’s birth, but about his return, may it help us visualize what his return might be like with all its glory and power. But let it also remind us to look UP! To worship him as we see heaven and nature – even in winter – literally singing. To receive and share the wonders of his love.

ANGIE FULLER

CHILDREN’S PASTOR