Two Advents

There is a tremendous contrast between Jesus’ two advents (comings).

For the first 9 months he was on earth not many knew about Jesus, when he was born only a handful of shepherds and a few clever men from the east knew about it – the whole thing passed unnoticed – the sign in the sky of his first coming was again hardly noticed, except by those who were looking hard and studying such things – it was a tiny pin point of light.

The first Christmas there was just a small light – but at the second coming the whole sky will be lit up from east to west and every one will know that something of unique significance has happened. (Matt 24:27)

The first time he came as a suffering Saviour and the 2nd coming He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. The first time He came, He was dragged before Herod and Pilate. The next time He comes, Herod and Pilate will bow before Him, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:10-11). The first time He came, He was considered an insurrectionist too dangerous to live, and so He was crucified on a Roman cross. The next time He comes, He will sit on the throne of His father, King David (Luke 1:32), and of His kingdom there shall be no end.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.


Israel’s Strength and Consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.


By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

[Charles Wesley]