Another year, 1999, is about to close. In fact, many claim that at the end of 1999 an entire millennium will close. While this notion is not technically accurate (the current millennium does not actually close until the end of the year 2000), there is no doubt that, in God’s sight, we are already living on borrowed time. Momentous changes are about to take place. Government officials and news reports tell us of likely upheavals in the lifestyle to which we are accustomed. Although many still cry “peace and safety,” it is easy to see how current events could usher in the final scenes of earth’s history.

“We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. . . .

“The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.” 1

Where does this present hour find us spiritually? Where do we place our trust? Wherein lies our security? The prophet declares, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places” (Habakkuk 3:17–19).

“As a power from beneath is stirring up the children of disobedience to make void the law of God, and to trample upon the faith of Christ as our righteousness, a power from above is moving upon the hearts of those who are loyal to exalt the law, and to lift up Jesus as a complete Saviour.” 2

Precious light shines forth from the Scriptures “in the presentation of the great subject of the righteousness of Christ connected with the law, which should be constantly kept before the sinner as his only hope of salvation.” 3 Thus, the timely theme for this year’s Week of Prayer is Christ Our Righteousness. Please remember that Sabbath, December 11, is set aside as a special day of prayer and fasting, and that on Sunday, December 12, a special offering will be gathered to support God’s work around the world.

Indeed, “the end is near! We have not a moment to lose! Light is to shine forth from God’s people in clear, distinct rays, bringing Jesus before the churches and before the world. . . . One interest will prevail, one subject will swallow up every other—Christ our righteousness.” 4

May the Lord grant each participant in this Week of Prayer the blessing so earnestly sought, both to receive and to share with others!