The Advent

That first Christmas two thousand or so years ago is referred to as the first advent of Jesus. Jesus came to the world as a baby in a manger.

The Creator Himself was born a helpless, dependent infant.

Two millennia have passed since the day Jesus was born in Bethlehem. While we can only imagine what it was like when Jesus was born, it seems almost certain that many people alive today will witness the second advent of Jesus.

The first time Jesus came to the earth, the vast majority of people had no idea the Messiah had been born. A nation was awaiting the advent of the Messiah, but when He was born in their midst, the populace was oblivious to the fact that the greatest event since the creation of the world had taken place.

There was no need for anyone to have been unprepared.

The coming of the Messiah was Israel’s great hope.

And the people of Israel possessed the knowledge that should have alerted them to the wondrous event. When the wise men arrived in Jerusalem inquiring about the One who had been born King of the Jews, it set the city astir.

Herod was agitated and asked the chief priests where the Messiah was to be born. They replied, “In Bethlehem of Judea,” and cited Micah 5:2.

It seems incomprehensible that a people anticipating the arrival of its Messiah would be unaware the Son of God was in their midst.

But will it be any different at the time of the Second Coming? God invites all to welcome Jesus when He returns to our world, not as a dependent child but as a conquering King. Preparation must be made for the long-awaited return of Jesus. Faith in God and dependence on His Word will ensure that this time, children of God are ready to meet the Messiah. Jesus will return to the earth as a conquering King, as King of kings and Lord of lords. Paul says, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).