Every time a new year begins, I think that this could be the year Jesus comes in the clouds for his Church.  After going to the Cross, Jesus appeared to many of his followers, proving to them over a period of forty days, that he was alive and not dead.  Then, with his followers watching, he was lifted up from the earth, and faded out of sight into a cloud.  Two angels suddenly appeared and said to them, "Jesus has been taken from you into Heaven, but someday he will return from Heaven in the same way you saw him go" (Acts 1:11 NLT)! 

"They strained to see him", it says in verse 10.  They did not want Jesus to leave them.  Imagine you were one of his followers while he was on earth, hanging out with him.  Everywhere he went he overcame the effects of sin.  People were healed of sickness, deformities were corrected, demons were cast out, food was miraculously multiplied; he walked on water and controlled the weather.  Imagine the insight received for personal problems from the truth, authority, and love of his teaching.  But the greatest blessing from being with him was the peace and joy they experienced from being forgiven and from placing their trust in him.  Imagine daily looking into his eyes as he looks into yours and feeling the assurance of his touch.  They knew he was God and that he loved them.

They did not want Jesus to leave them, but he said he had to go.  As soon as he passed out of sight God had angels encourage them with the truth of his return.  Hallelujah!  He will be back.  The only problem was they weren't told when.  Oh well, they had something to look forward to with great expectation - he would be back for them - the Great Hope! 

It is true; the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is not the Great Hope for those who don't know him.  In truth, for the unsaved it should be the Great Dread.  When he returns he must continue the mission given him by our Father.  "When the Lord Jesus appears from heaven --   He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on these who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 NLT).   "He will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power" (1 Corinthians 15:24 NLT). 

Our experience will be at the other end of the emotional spectrum.  "We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed" (Titus 2:12-13 NLT). 

Will this be the year Jesus comes back for us?  "Amen!  Come Lord Jesus"
                       (Revelation 22:20 NLT)!