He came . . . He comes again!

Yesterday I stood and sang carols with a few hundred people and thought of the shepherds, sharing their joy. And the message of the angels filled me with joy.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8–14)

And I thought of these verses and the worship at His Second Coming, and I’m almost bursting with joy.

And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” (Revelation 19:4–5)

This morning I read this and can imagine most of the scene . . .

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. (Revelation 19:11–14)

Jesus came — just as promised.

Jesus will come again — just as promised.

He stepped out of heaven and into a virgin’s womb, born a babe to defeat Satan and death at Calvary, just as promised.

He takes His place of victory with His army when heaven opens again and puts evil where it belongs. And He rides with His servants whom He redeemed by grace through faith.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord God, You fill me with great joy and peace merging these wonderful descriptions of Your Advent and salvation, Your return and victorious triumph. Oh come, let us adore You, Christ the Lord.

Today’s thankful list . . .

- that we can freely celebrate the birth of our Savior.

- lovely Birthday Party today at our house.

- laughter and joy.

- phone calls from those who could not be here.

-  too much food.

- so much gratitude for Jesus.