Houston, we have an (Advent) problem.
We love celebrating Christ's coming with carols, candles, crèches, and cookies, not to mention cash. And we are right to celebrate so joyously. God came to dwell among us! But there’s another Advent that gets comparatively little enthusiasm. I refer to Christ’s second coming.
Curiously, those who claim to know Christ best often show much more enthusiasm for the babe in the manger than the King on His throne.
Think I’m being too harsh? Ponder all we’ve just experienced with Christmas, the First Advent, and then ask yourself:
- Where are all the songs about Christ’s second coming?
- Where are all the creative sermon series about His return?
- Where are all the special concerts and community outreach events based on the Second Advent?
- Where is all that excitement and enthusiasm we happily funnel into Christmas?
Here’s what I think. When it comes to Jesus, we love His first coming, but merely like His second coming. Many of us are so comfortable in the here, and now, we don't look for—let alone long for—the return of Jesus.
We love baby Jesus, but Warrior Jesus—Judge Jesus—we don’t know what to make of Him. So, we end up making very little of Him.
Ironically, it is only at His second coming that we enjoy the fulfillment of the promise of His first coming. Only after Christ’s second coming will we finally and forever know “peace and good will toward men.”
In 2 Timothy 4:8, Paul testifies,
In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
So, I ask. Do you love His appearing—or merely like it?
Joy to the world! The Lord is come—and IS coming!