This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven (Acts 1:11).
I just love the classic Christmas carol, Joy to the World. But there’s something very funny about that song that most people overlook… it doesn’t even mention the birth of Christ. Go ahead, sing it and see for yourself!
That’s because this time of year, the season of Advent, was traditionally used to commemorate both the first and second coming of Christ. Therefore, Joy to the World is less about the first coming of Christ and more about the second.
You see, when Christ came the first time, He came in humility. But when He comes again, He will come in great honor and glory. When He came the first time, He came in human flesh. But when He comes the second time, He will come in the glory of God and of the holy angels!
Jesus declared it; the angels confirmed it; and the apostles explained it over and over again – Jesus is coming again. And that’s really the greatest promise of Christmas. While Jesus came once to die, He’ll come again to reign forever. So, as you celebrate Christmas this year, remember that truth that the same Jesus born in Bethlehem will one day rule the world with truth and grace.
On that day, we’ll truly sing Joy to the World!
CHRIST’S FIRST COMING PREPARED THE WAY FOR HIS SECOND. SO, SPEND SOME TIME THIS CHRISTMAS THANKING GOD THAT CHRIST WILL RETURN.
