The Promise of His Coming

 The Promise of His Coming

As we celebrate Christmas, we often focus on the beauty of Christ’s first coming—the baby born in a manger, the angels announcing peace, and the shepherds marveling at the Savior’s birth. Yet, Scripture reminds us that Christmas is not just about remembering His arrival in Bethlehem; it is also a time to anticipate His glorious return.

The Question of His Coming

In 2 Peter 3:4, scoffers mockingly ask, “Where is the promise of His coming?” They observe the apparent constancy of the world and doubt that God will intervene. This doubt is not new. Humanity has always struggled to trust in God’s timing. Yet, Peter encourages us to remember that God’s promises are sure, even if they seem delayed from our perspective. Just as the prophets foretold Christ’s first coming, His second coming is just as certain.

The Prophecy of His Judgment

In Jude 1:14-15, we see a prophecy from Enoch about the Lord returning with “many thousands of His holy ones” to execute judgment on the ungodly. This passage is a sobering reminder of the dual reality of Christ’s return: for the faithful, it is a day of vindication and joy, but for the ungodly, it will be a day of reckoning. The baby who came to bring peace and salvation will one day come as the righteous Judge, fulfilling every promise of justice.

The Glory of His Return

Revelation 1:7 paints a majestic picture: “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Unlike His first coming, which was humble and hidden from the world, His second coming will be unmistakable. Every tribe and nation will witness His glory, and even those who rejected Him will mourn as they see the fulfillment of what they had denied.

Living in Expectation

The promise of Christ’s return transforms how we live now. Christmas is not only a celebration of what God has done but also a call to live in preparation for what He will do. Just as the faithful waited centuries for the Messiah’s birth, we now wait for His return. But this waiting is not passive; it is active, marked by faith, obedience, and hope.

A Christmas Call

This Christmas, let us not forget the full story of Christ. He came as a child to save us, but He will return as a King to reign forever. Let the joy of His first coming stir within us a longing for His return. May we prepare our hearts, share His gospel, and live in such a way that we are found ready when He comes again.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, we also look forward to His glorious return. Thank You for the promises of Scripture that remind us of Your faithfulness. Help us to live with expectant hope, preparing our hearts for the day when Christ will return in glory. May our lives reflect Your light and truth until that day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.