It began immediately after the Songkran holiday. The number of outside workers on the campus of Asia-Pacific International University seemed to double. They trimmed all the hedges, picked up every stray piece of garbage and swept and cleaned the sidewalks. Anticipation seemed to permeate the campus. Not being in the loop, we figured this special work was in preparation for graduation.

Then suddenly the highway that runs from town past our village and into the campus area was full of construction equipment. They were resurfacing the road. Wow! We didn’t know the university was that important to area officials.

Our first definitive clue was a sign that appeared at a major intersection at the edge of town. We couldn’t read the Thai script, but the sign included a picture of the princess and a date—graduation Sunday. We finally put two and two together: the princess was coming for the graduation!

As the date approached, the frenzy of preparation continued. The area had been experiencing a significant drought, but someone must have been praying for rain. A series of early rains greened up the brown grass, and leaves appeared on the bushes. The campus was beautiful.

The week before graduation was a flurry of activity. Flags appeared along the entrance road to the campus, the Thai flag and the lilac flag of the princess with the royal emblem. On the road into town, the flags alternated at 100-meter intervals. The sidewalks in town were washed, and parents lined up to take pictures of their graduates in front of the university sign. Everything seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation.

We learned that the princess would arrive on Sunday afternoon before the three o’clock graduation. However, the campus entrance would be closed before the royal arrival, so we would have to arrive early if we wanted to get in. But how early? No one seemed to know for sure. We were busy packing for an extended trip, and couldn’t spare an entire afternoon. Reluctantly, we put away our formal clothes and gave up the idea of seeing the princess. It was a real disappointment.

Our house guest spent the afternoon on campus with friends, and later she told us about the event. Had she seen the princess? Well, yes, if you count a video screen. No one but the graduates were actually allowed in the princess’s presence.

Someday soon, the King of Kings will arrive on earth in all His glory. When He does, everyone will get to see Him. But His presence will only be welcome to those who have prepared for Him. We have the privilege of being among those who look upon His glory with great joy. We also are encouraged to share the good news. It is worth giving up the sin, sorrow and confusion of this earth for eternal life in the presence of the One who gave up everything so that we could have everything. So fly His flag over your heart, send out the invitations, send out the heralds, gather the crowds. The King is coming, and time is running out.

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