The Joyful Hope of the Coming of Christ
The hustle and bustle of the season always comes sooner every year it seems. We are between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As we approach the 2nd Sunday of the advent season, let's remember what we are truly thankful for, the real reason for the season. While we know what it means today, let's think about it from the perspective of God's people from two thousand years ago.
The prophets have foretold about the coming king (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7). They waited eagerly in anticipation for their Mighty God. They had a joyful hope for their Prince of Peace.
'Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. ' Isaiah 7:14
'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.' Isaiah 9:6-7
It must have felt like you felt as a kid on a Monday, knowing that your huge birthday party with all of your friends is that coming Saturday. So long of a wait, the agony. At the same time, you also think of how much fun you'll have, how great the cake would taste, how full of candy the piñata would be, and how awesome the presents you would receive.
Do we, today, have that same joyful hope for Christ's return? If we do, do we want to keep this good news under wraps? (Luke 11:33). Let's prepare our hearts for the second coming of the one true king, and be mindful of how Jesus commissioned us to be his ambassadors so more and more people can joyfully know Him (Matthew 28:19-20).
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”