As you draw near to the last week before Christmas today, find a way to share a reason for this wonderful season. So when Jesus comes the second time around, you can make a joyful noise with those around you!
Hi, I'm Joni Eareckson Tada and Christmas is getting closer, it’s getting near so sing this with me.
(Joni sings:)
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! I bet you were singing along, and I sure hope that you’re enjoying a wonderful Christmas season thus far: catching up on gifts, making those rounds of parties, getting ready to welcome home relatives and friends. It’s such a blessed time of year. But it’s interesting to think that the First Coming of Jesus really didn’t 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 other people noticing. Perhaps the next morning, it was just another ordinary day in Bethlehem.
I'm guessing the Roman soldiers set up their census table and inside the crowded inn [the inn from which Mary and Joseph had been turned away], families probably headed downstairs for breakfast. A few travelers may have left early for the stable, and I wonder – when they entered the stable, 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 their windows? I doubt it. The First Advent was a serene, quiet entry.
But oh, what a contrast it will be when Jesus returns for his Second Advent, because then 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 sure 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. It won’t be a quiet entry into the world. It will be loud and crashing. But 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. So, as we draw near to the last week before Christmas today, find a way to share the reason for this wonderful season. Finally, I want to thank this station for granting me these precious minutes, in which I can share hope through your hardship every day. God bless you!
© Joni and Friends