James encourages his readers to endure, even in the face of opposition and hardship. This endurance is motivated by the return of the Lord. He is coming again, this is the second advent of Jesus. Advent is about celebrating his first coming, but also anticipating his second coming. As we live our lives, there often difficult circumstances and difficulties that come into our lives. Believers must patiently endure, whatever comes, while awaiting the return of Jesus.
Advent is a wonderful time each year to consider both the first Advent of Jesus, his birth in Bethlehem, but also, his second Advent - Jesus is coming again and he is coming for his own. This Advent season, consider with us all that we possess because of Jesus and his coming, his life, his death and resurrection. The first Advent of Jesus makes a relationship with God possible; it alone makes eternal life possible.
James, the brother of Jesus, writes to Jewish believers who have been scattered, likely because of persecution. James encourages these believers through instruction on trials, genuine faith, and the appropriate interactions within the community of believers. His goal is to give guidance to these believers as they continue to engage with one another apart from the oversight of the established church in Jerusalem.
