Advent: the coming of Christ into the world, so He came the first time. Jesus was conceived in a virgin's womb, cradled in a stable's manger, and cared for by a carpenter's hands. He was born into poverty and grew up in obscurity. His ministry was brief but has impacted the world in history and for eternity. He was rejected by men, hated by the religious establishment, crowned with thorns, and nailed to a cross. His death was brutal. He was buried in a sepulcher of stone in a donated grave for He had none of His own. Yet, He did not stay dead! Up from the grave, He arose, and forty days later up into the clouds He ascended. There, Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us as our Great High Priest.
Advent: the coming of Christ into the world, so He will come the second time! This time, He comes as the King of kings and Lord of lords--not to be crowned with thorns, but glory! He will not be placed in a manger, nor nailed to a cross, but seated on the throne of universal dominion! The Lamb who was slain comes as the Lion to reign. What a day that will be, when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Until He comes, we have work to do--to call men and women to saving faith in Christ. Let us do all we can to spread the good news!
"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." (Matt.4:16 NKJV)
Until He Comes,
Dennis Thurman, AMS
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