Thoughts on World Leaders and Advent

The eyes of the world have focused upon South Africa as leaders from around the world came to pay their last respects to one of the great leaders of the last century - Nelson Mandela.  He had a vision of a country where both whites and blacks could live side-by-side in peace and prosperity, and even though imprisoned for 27 years, he never lost that vision.  It was that vision that caused Nelson Mandela to rise eventually to the presidency of South Africa and oversee the destruction of apartheid.  Today's South Africa is the result of that dream.

Perhaps Nelson Mandela was the last of the great leaders of the past century.  And there were some incredible leaders in that century: Winston Churchill, David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Lech Walensa - just to name a few.  Each of these leaders commanded respect even if you disagreed with them.  These were individuals who had a vision and a strong commitment to that vision.  These were individuals who commanded respect while serving in those leadership positions.  Even in death, these leaders are still respected.  As I look out over the landscape of those who purport to be today's leaders, I am afraid that I do not see men or women of the stature of a Churchill, or a Reagan, or a Mandela.

Yet the world cries out for leadership today.  The problems continue to grow.  Political unrest in Thailand, in Ukraine, and in Central African Republic.  And, in Iran, that nation that seeks to be a full partner within the world community once again, executions of those who oppose the ayatollahs rises at an alarming rate.  (Interesting note: This past week the United Nations appointed Iran to be a member of the committee that oversees human rights violations around the world.  Sort of makes you wonder about the wisdom within the United Nations.  Sort of like asking the fox to guard the chicken coop).  And one wonders when the world's economic foundations will crumble, even as the stock market continues to rise.  And the political divide within our nation continues to widen.  Even with yesterday's announcement that an agreement had been reached to solve the budgetary crisis for the next two years, the reaction was negative.  One senses the needs for a strong leader in Washington.  As I look out over the landscape, I believe the world is preparing itself - perhaps unknowingly - for that strong world-leader the Bible says will come, namely the Antichrist.  Perhaps 2014 will be the year of his unveiling.  Of course, that would mean that Jesus would come (at least for those of us of the pre-tribulational mindset).  Wouldn't that be a great thought?

Advent continues as we look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  Yet the hurry and the worry of the season intensifies as one prepares all that we have forced into this season.  Now I am not saying that what we do during this season is wrong.  I love the programs, the lights, the music, the gifts, the food, the tree.  But perhaps the pressures we put upon ourselves to make sure everything is "just right" is wrong.  I was thinking of the shepherds the other day.  After they had received the announcement of the birth of Jesus, what was their immediate response?  Did they say, "Wow, that was great, but we need to find someone first to come and look after the sheep while we are gone!"  Did they say, "Well, that was something.  Perhaps we should look into it tomorrow."  No, the Bible simply says, "they hurried off to Bethlehem."  Routine - interrupted.  A night of sleep - vanished forever.  Worry over what might happen to the sheep - not a concern at the moment.  Their focus was upon getting to Bethlehem and finding Jesus.  Friends, this season, in the midst of the hurry and worry that this season brings - and there seems to be an almost endless supply - let us not forget to hurry to Jesus first.  After all, He is the reason why we hurry and worry in the first place.  And, when we bow before Him as He lies in that manger, we will discover the peace and joy that He has come to give.  And, for a moment anyway, the hurry and worry will fade into the background as we worship the Prince of Peace.