As we enter into this Christmas season, we celebrate peace but, there seems to be no peace on earth. The Russian Bear is stirring once again trying to regain the former prominence of the Soviet Union. China is building her military, challenging the USA for dominance in the eastern Pacific. In his article China: Sharpening Swords for War? Richard L. Russell reveals how China is developing weapons to challenge the US militarily and financially. At the same time, the Mideast is exploding with tensions that threaten the status-quot. ISIS  is building a new Caliphate drawing many nations into the conflict – some of whom have strong ties to Russia. In the prophesy of Ezekiel 38, God reveals this war will begin with Russia being “turned around” with hooks in her jaws and drawn down into the Mideast conflict, joined with such nations as Iran and Syria. Could the present Mideast turmoil be the catalyst of this event?

At the same time, we see the apostate church arising, compromising Biblical truths for political correctness pressures and greed. If Christian leaders do take a stand for the truth they make themselves a prey to legal threats by such groups as Islamist, atheists, and Freedom from Religion Foundation type groups. Even the United States government has conspired to eliminate God from public view. In other words, we find ourselves in a situation described by Jesus in His Olivet Discourse of Matthew 24. But, He does not leave us in such a pessimistic view of things – “when you see these things, look up! for your redemption draws near.” – Luke 21:28.

Jesus is coming back and such times as these will herald His coming. Paul gives us comforting words about His coming:

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

When Jesus comes, the dead in Christ will be resurrected and those who are yet alive will rise to meet Him in the air, then we will both accompany Jesus to execute judgment on the wicked. What a day that will be. It will be the fulfillment of all Christmas promises. The promise of peace will be fulfilled.