“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.”
Revelation 1:7
The first coming of Jesus attracted very little attention, except for the small group of shepherds who hurried to the manger. Apart from them and a few animals, Jesus’ entry into the world was quiet. Not many people noticed. Probably the next morning, it was just another ordinary day in Bethlehem. The Romans set up their census tables and inside the crowded inn — the inn from which Mary and Joseph were turned away — families headed downstairs for breakfast. A few travelers may have headed for the stable — did any of them hear the cry of the newborn baby in the far stall? I doubt it.
What a contrast it will be when Jesus returns for His Second Advent — every single eye of every person on earth shall witness His arrival. Those who crucified God’s Son will see and mourn. It won’t be a quiet entry into the world. It will be loud and thunderous because of man’s rejection of salvation. However, for those who have trusted in Christ’s redemptive work, the days of mourning will be over, not just beginning. For the Christian, the prospect of Christ’s return will be joyous, not terrifying.
Charles Wesley wrote, “Lo! He comes, with clouds descending, / once for our salvation slain; / thousand thousand saints attending, / swell the triumph of His train: / Alleluia! Alleluia! / God appears on earth to reign.”* The First Advent of Christ is inextricably linked to His Second. Today, ponder a “Maranatha! Merry Christmas” and say, “Oh, come quickly, Alleluia! Come, Lord, come!”
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that I have a place in Your eternal glory. I thank You for coming to earth 2000 years ago to rescue mankind… I look forward to Your return. Enable me to share Your good news this season with those who don’t know You!
Blessings,
