The Second Advent

It is the third day after Christmas, and all is calm, no creature is stirring, except for the dog and Debbie cooking in the kitchen. The grandchildren are gone and the activities have ceased, all we have now is a home in peace, filled with fond memories of the past days. We now look forward to the dawn of a New Year and all that the coming weeks and months will bring.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… …Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 ESV

Advent is the term that is most commonly associated with the time of the birth of Christ. Advent simply means, “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” The birth of Christ was certainly the arrival of a notable person and event. It was a reminder that God had not forgotten His promise to His people and that He was working out the plan of salvation long since foretold.

In “Mary’s song” she says, He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:54,55 NIV)

Zachariah when his mouth was opened at the birth of John declared, He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies…to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant…” (Luke 1:69-73 NIV)

Just as God was faithful to send Christ as the babe in Bethlehem’s manager at the “right” time; so He will be faithful to signal the time of Christ’s return at the “right” time. The response of faith and anticipation that characterized those who longed for the coming of the Messiah to earth the first time, is the same sense of anticipation that should fill our hearts as we look for Christ’s second coming.

The prophet declared, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.” (Malachi 4:2 NLT) Just as Christ dawned upon the earth and ministered through teaching and working of miracles, so He will dawn upon the earth once again, to bring wholeness and deliverance to all who look for Him and long for His appearing.

Peter declared, “But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV)

The bottom line: we see the promise of Christ’s coming to the earth and it was fulfilled. We see the promise of Christ’s return to the earth and one day, the promise will be fulfilled. May our hearts be filled with anticipation of that second advent.

 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!”…He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:17,20 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, as we have celebrated and remembered Your coming to earth, let us hold fast to the promise of Your second coming. Just as the first was fulfilled, we can be confident of the fulfillment of the promise to come.