Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth, yet He is often banished these days, out of hearts, homes, stores and public locations… some even substitute X for Christmas calling it Xmas.
X is an unknown quantity but Jesus is never that.
For He is our LORD, our Saviour and coming King.
There were many prophetic passages promising Jesus would come, starting with Genesis 3:15 - man sinned so our Loving God promised a Saviour.
Another promise oft forgotten is the promise given by the angels when Jesus went to heaven after His resurrection … .
“… HE SHALL COME AGAIN, IN LIKE MANNER AS YE SEE HIM GO into heaven”
Acts 1:11
As in the fullness of time, ie God’s time Jesus came the first time, He was born, died and rose again - Paul says here:
.. but when the fulness of the time was come,
God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
to redeem (save, buy back) them that were under the law...” Gal 4:4
As with Christ’s coming there were a few faithful ones in total expectation of the promised Messiah.
They were not surprised in unbelief that He should come as a babe, not conquering King to rescue them from the Romans. Here’s a list of five but I’m sure there are more:
Elizabeth - the mother of John the Baptist was believing (though Zacharias, his father was struck temporarily dumb for his unbelief) Luke 1: 5-26, 40-45
Mary - Luke 1: 26-80
Joseph - Matthew 1:15-25, 2:13-23
Simeon - Luke 2:25-35 faithful prophecies were made by Simeon, to Mary.
Anna - Luke 2:36, 38, at 84 years, she’d long awaited in expection.
This is my favourite Carol, so much good doctrine in Wesley’s hymn on "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", video link here, as well as below. If you want more in background on this is truly beautiful hymn - see here.
Two Gospels only tell of Jesus’ birth.
Matthew gives it from Joseph’s perspective and dealing in angel appearances and Magi coming; Luke is from Mary’s perspective, each also share their respective genealogies.
Are we likewise expectant that our beautiful LORD Jesus Christ will come again?
"THEREFORE BE YE ALSO READY for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.” Matt24:24
Will Christ find us ready longing for His coming as these faithful ones were at Christs first Advent, for its promised to be at any day unexpectedly?
Will I be ready, I pray so with all my heart.
At Christmas time, may Christ not be left out - but may we ALL remember the most important gift is not UNDER THE TREE,
BUT WAS PLACED UPON THE TREE TO DIE for our sin and salvation.
Praying earnestly - may the real reason of Christmas shine brightly in your home and heart.
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