The Christmas season looks back to the time when the Son of God first came to live among us and to bring us salvation. But this season has a forward-looking aspect as well. Christ has come, and Christ is coming again. As we turn the page on our Christmas celebrations, we can also be filled with anticipation for Jesus’ return.

Jesus spoke to his disciples about the anguish and uncertainty of human existence in this world. Natural disasters, wars, political unrest, personal disappointments, sins we have committed, and wrongs we’ve suffered from others—all these things are a part of the “anguish and perplexity” we face in everyday life here on earth. But Jesus has promised that he will return—as the Lord of all creation. And on that day our redemption will be complete.

Though we celebrate Christmas as a season of promise, new life, peace, and hope, in reality our lives here on earth are full of troubles and doubts.

But Jesus the Savior has come into this world, and we have the promise that he will come again. “Lift up your heads,” he says to us, in effect. Christ offers hope and confidence to all who look to him, giving assurance of a future, full life that will never fade (see Revelation 21-22). May that hope be yours today.