During my childhood, in our house birthdays were always something to be celebrated. We did not have a lot of money, but my mom would do little things that were important to me. She would fix my favorite meal and bake my favorite cake, and for that one very special day, I was on top of the world. It did not even matter what presents I received. What mattered was the preparation and thought my mom put into my birthday celebration. There were four of us children and I would watch her make each one of our birthdays special.

There is another special day coming—Jesus’ return. Jesus is preparing for us to join Him in Heaven for eternity. Every preparation will be completed down to the last heavenly detail: the streets of gold will shine their brightest; the pearls on the entrance gate of Heaven will be polished to perfection; the dining table will be spread with every imaginable delicacy; a mansion will be ready for us with eternity in mind.

Are we eagerly watching for Jesus’ return, or have we been Christians for so long and heard about His coming for so many years that the excitement is gone? We should be excited about Jesus’ return! We should be expecting Him at any time. Think of how you would feel if you knew Jesus were returning today. Now remind yourself that He could return today!

When I was younger, I would get excited and look forward to my birthday with great expectation. I want to live each day with the same great anticipation that this could be the day Jesus comes to take me to Heaven. What a day that will be!