Jesus’ first coming was a quiet one – born in a stable in the small town of Bethlehem. But when Jesus returns, it will be with a trumpet blast and the flash of lightning. Every eye will see him. As you celebrate the first arrival of Jesus this Christmas season, rejoice that he is coming back!
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada, and Christmas is getting closer; it’s getting near!
Silent night, holy night
All is calm all is bright
‘Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
What a beautiful carol that is! I bet you were singing along, and I sure hope you’re enjoying a wonderful Christmas season thus far, catching up on gifts, making rounds of parties, getting ready to welcome home relatives and friends. It’s a blessed time of year. But it’s interesting to think that the first coming of Jesus did not have much going on; Jesus did not arrive during a high holy feast; no, his first coming attracted very little attention, except for the small group of shepherds who showed up at the manger. Apart from them and a few animals, Jesus’ entry into the world was quiet. After those shepherds went back to the fields and angels disappeared, it was most likely a silent night with not many people noticing. Perhaps the next morning, it was just another ordinary day in Bethlehem. I'm guessing the Roman soldiers set up their census tables and inside the crowded inn – the inn from which Mary and Joseph were turned away – families probably headed downstairs for breakfast. A few travelers may have even headed to the stable. And I wonder – did any of them hear the cry of the newborn baby in the far stall? Did any of them see the display in the sky the night before; did they look out the window? I doubt it. The First Advent was a very serene, quiet entry.
Oh, but what a contrast it’ll be when Jesus returns for his Second Advent – he’ll come in thunder and glory. Revelation 1:7 says, “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.” Did you catch that? Every person on earth shall witness his arrival. Not certain how that’s going to happen, but it’s what the Bible says and I believe it. With the blast of the trumpet and lightning flashing, those who crucified God's Son will see his coming across the Mount of Olives. They will see him and mourn. It won’t be a quiet entry into the world. It will be loud and crashing. However, for those who have trusted in Christ’s redemption, the days of mourning will be over, not just beginning. For the Christian, the prospect of Christ’s return will be joyous, not terrifying.
Friend, the First Advent of Jesus is inextricably linked to his Second. It’s why some people even say “Maranatha, Merry Christmas!” Maranatha means “Come, Lord Jesus.” Come quickly. As we draw near to the last week before Christmas, today, find a way to share the reason for this wonderful season. Find a way to give the Good News to those who don’t know the Savior. After all, we’ve got to get them ready for the Second Advent and the return of Jesus. And that’s why I say to you today, “Maranatha, Merry Christmas.”
© Joni and Friends