Advent has begun. Christmas is coming, and the world is eagerly waiting. It’s that exciting time of year when people plan surprises for their loved ones. Children try to figure out where their parents have been shopping. Houses are decorated, parties are planned, and people travel to be with family they don’t see often enough.
More importantly, we are in the time of year when much of the world’s attention is focused on remembering Jesus’ birth. Jesus, the Son of God Himself, left the glory of heaven and came to earth so we could know Him. He could have placed Himself in the most luxurious environment. He could have come as a powerful king to rule over all the world. Instead, He came into the most humble setting, as a baby. His arrival changed the world, changed history, and changes the lives of everyone who encounters Him personally by faith. Those who put their faith in Him live abundantly, now and forever.
As Jesus grew into a man, He experienced human struggles and pain. He understands human suffering and frailty. He was subjected to the same temptations that confront us, but lived without sin. He died a cruel death on the cross for our sin, so that we could understand how seriously God the Father views sin. We are all guilty before God of breaking His commandments and failing to honor Him as we should. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the debt for our sin, taking the punishment we deserve so we wouldn’t have to. All those who put their faith in Jesus receive eternal life, instead of death and separation from God. There is so much to celebrate as we remember Jesus’ birth.
The Old Testament of the Bible prophesied Jesus’ birth long before it happened. When He came, a few were watching and waiting, looking for their Messiah. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were all foretold. Many didn’t recognize Him when He came because they thought He would come in power and end the oppression they were under. The Scriptures do point to a powerful ruler. Jesus is coming back again, and when He does He will come in power and glory. He will set everything right that is wrong in the world. The Old Testament Scriptures describe both Jesus’ first coming and His second coming, but don’t make a clear distinction between them. All of the Scriptures that were not fulfilled in His first coming will be fulfilled in His second coming.
Jesus is coming back. We don’t know when. Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour. But we can know the season. As we see things in the world becoming more and more chaotic, we can know we are getting closer to His return. He will return for those who are eagerly awaiting Him. He will rule over His perfect, restored kingdom.
Jesus is coming. He could be coming soon. May He find us watching and waiting for Him, as eagerly as we wait for Christmas.
Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28 NLT
How are you eagerly waiting for Christ’s return? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by G.C. from Pixabay
Thank you for sharing this post, Phyllis. I’m so thankful that Jesus came and sacrificed for us.
Thank you, Joni.