In a time of misinformation, social media distraction, odd theologies, and bizarre thinking, it is easy to throw outlandish speculations about the coming of Christ into that same bin of false, misleading ideas. Some actually believe that any talk of a coming Messiah, of the Advent of the Savior, whether his first or second coming, is mere childish goofiness more akin to fairy tales and make believe. This view is clearly listed in Peter’s second epistle and summarizes the opinions of those who are skeptical of any talk of a returning Savior for his people. The argument’s basic outline is simple: nothing has seemed to change all these years, despite the nervous preaching and dreadful prophesying of religious zealots and strange religious folk. Everything looks the way it has since the beginning. The conclusion is obvious: “Get over yourself and your weird ideas—Jesus ain’t coming for you or anyone else!”
Peter meets this argument head on with a bold reply: “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3.8-9, ESV). Peter says that the Lord’s day will come like a thief, impacting the very transformation of the heavens and earth. And, he says, since the very creation will be dissolved and cleansed at his coming, you ought to live lives of holiness and godliness, “waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (v. 12). The skeptics are simply wrong; their speculations are strong enough to deny the appearing of the Son of God, who come to make things right, in his own time!
Such an answer like Peter’s flows from confidence and faith in the promise of God. However long Advent’s hope may seem to either be delayed or postponed, the Lord’s coming is on schedule. The day is set, the time is clear, and the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise. Advent shouts this assurance in its carols, celebrations, and litanies, and embodies it in its services of hope and remembrance. We who hold this hope close to our hearts have never been shy about it. Jesus is coming again in his time to complete the work he began during his incarnation. This is the core of Christian hope and Advent remembrance and affirmation. Get on the right side of history while you can. The King is coming to transform his creation and welcome his own. Wait for it—he’s coming, soon!