LEA Weekly Devotion

TOGETHER series 2021–2022

Week of December 19, 2021

“Let’s Get Together Sometime”

You know the phrase, you’ve probably heard it and said it after a rare or unexpected encounter with an old acquaintance. Christmas gatherings offer fertile fodder for the phrase to grow and spread. Often the phrase is sincere; just as often, it’s a safe way to wiggle out of an awkward good-bye without committing to a future “hello.”

The sentiment can happen anytime and anywhere. Consider the shepherds camped in a grassy plane on a quiet night. When Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors (Luke 2:13–14). This gathering was both grand and great.

Imagine the scene. Imagine the conversations. Imagine trying to round up a bunch of spooked sheep! Imagine an awestruck, earnest shepherd saying, “Hey. Let’s get together and do this again sometime!” (Bears some resemblance to an LEA convocation.)

Little did they suspect that they would in fact see each other sometime. Not soon. Not even yet. But the divine celebration will happen again. We often use Advent to think about the reunion. Paul has some inside information about that event.

For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:15–17).

Won’t the cemeteries be an exciting and euphoric place on that day! Those who died in faith, no matter where or when, will rejoice as they say good-bye to the grave while the living faithful thumb their nose at it. No need for promises then. We will indeed be together forever.

For now, keep the phrase handy. You can still say it and honestly mean it. You may not know the exact “sometime,” but you can be sure it will happen—just as Paul said.

In the meantime, enjoy God—and tell Him, “See you sometime soon. You promised!”

Meditate together:  Come soon, Lord Jesus

We invite you to read the LEA guest devotions.

From the past: Let Loose (Luke 2:8–20) 2005

Written by Edward Grube, LL.D.
Director of Communications
Copyright ©2021 Lutheran Education Association

Quoted Scripture: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)