Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/84

Contributor - Rev. Cor G. Bons

Title - Joy At Midnight

Topic -

"Counting the Woodstock weekend tragedy five Ontario policemen have been killed and five others wounded in the line of duty within two months."

This was the first paragraph in an article on the front-page of a local paper on the day after Thanksgiving. I could continue to quote from newspapers and find similar and even much more distressing news day after day without too much effort. We live in a world full of danger and misery, full of darkness and uncertainties. No wonder, that we are always preparing for the worst. Nations are preparing for war, people buy insurance against fire, accidents and disasters. Even "Christianity" of a kind makes the mistake of being ready only for death, meanwhile being unprepared for life here and hereafter.

The latter part of November and the Advent season preceding Christmas have always been important to me in that we have an opportunity to focus our thoughts on the meaning of the future in the light of the Christian gospel and the way in which Christians may look forward to that which is as yet unknown to them. In this period of time we are reminded by the Scriptures that the future does not only hold dangers and disasters for us, but also something much more significant and uplifting. The Lord Jesus told us about it in various ways. Read his parable of the five wise and the five foolish maidens, who were on their way to meet the Bridegroom to share in the celebrations at the marriage-feast.

"But at midnight there was a cry, behold, the Bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!" (Matthew 25:6)

A certain kind of "Christianity" looks to the future with fear, because of the expected judgment, but Christians who are reformed according to the Word of God can joyfully say what is stated so well in the Heidelberg Catechism (Lord's Day 1 9-, Answer 52) "that in all affliction and persecution I may await with head held high the very Judge from heaven who has already submitted himself to the judgment of God for me and has removed all the curse from me ... and ... shall take me, together with all his elect, to himself into heavenly joy and glory." This is completely in tune with the parable which speaks in such a delightful manner about the second coming of Christ as a Bridegroom, his glorious return. We are looking forward to that joyful event, we anticipate to share in the celebrations at the marriage-feast, and that determines our lifestyle, our priorities and everyday decisions and actions because we look at life from a different perspective now.

In the early church the expectations of his return was very high. At Jesus' ascension the assurance had been given to his disciples that he would come back, and their look at daily life was greatly affected by it. The apostle Paul advised the unmarried church-members in Corinth not to get married anymore, for "the appointed time has grown very short" (I Cor. 7:25 ff), and the apostle Peter needed to answer the question why it took so long for the Lord to return. With pastoral concern he wrote, "the Lord is not slow about his promise ... but forbearing toward you, not wishing that any soul perish, but that all should reach repentance" (11 Peter 3:9). The letter to the Philippians reminds us in chapter 3 verse 20, that our commonwealth, our citizenship, is in heaven and from it we await a Saviour, Jesus Christ.

This season may serve to remind us of our true citizenship which is not in Canada or any other country of this world; it may help to rekindle our desire and longing for the second coming of the Bridegroom who will lead us to the marriage-feast.

What are we really interested in? The things of this world, the riches and pleasures Canada has to offer, or the treasurers and joys of the kingdom of God? Yes, indeed, we need protection against many dangers and possible disasters, and yes, this world seems to offer many riches and pleasures as well. However, if it is true that we belong to him whom we expect as the Bridegroom or the King of glory, we should be looking forward to his coming with great anticipation and eager longing, and we should be preparing ourselves and those dear to us in every way possible.

How can you prepare yourself? Well, a Christian lives in between the times, between the past when Christ died for us, and the future when Christ will lead us to the marriage-feast. Therefore, a Christian reads the Bible daily to be strengthened by the mighty acts of God in the past and in the future, a Christian celebrates the Lord's Day, since every hour of Worship on Sunday should be a foretaste of that future celebration, hearing the Word of God, participating in the sacraments, calling publicly upon the Lord and giving Christian service to those in need. (Read the Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 38, Answer 103.)

Your life in between the times is often overshadowed by dark and dangerous clouds. May the night and its darkness never deceive you, for he comes and his light will shine! May the joy of his coming already radiate from you, as you eagerly await his arrival!

Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear,

The evening is advancing, and darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising, and soon he draweth nigh:

Up, pray and watch and wrestle; at midnight comes the cry.

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