As Christmas approaches for another year we see nativity scenes and other pictures reminding us of the first Advent where Jesus Christ was born in a manger. A perfect life that was determined to be a sinless example for mankind, yet also to die upon a cross as a payment for everyone’s sins. The importance of the first Advent can never be overstated and arguably should be remembered every day! But we wonder if Christian’s are also looking to the second Advent and preparing for the Coming King.
A real concern is that the majority of Christians are not ready for His second coming and that Christendom as a whole is unprepared where Jesus’ return is not on the radar. If you search for long enough in the popular card shops you may find a small selection that mentions the name Jesus! Many of these Christmas cards quote Isaiah 9:6 as the prophet looks to the first Advent, but verses 6 and 7 together actually say a whole lot more:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
These two verses are packed with future promises that are unfortunately often brushed over. The prophecies contained in this passage are spread over a time period of more than two thousand years, from our Messiah’s birth all the way to His earthly rule, which is still in our future. Looking at the amazing precision of the prophecies around Jesus’ first coming it’s shocking how little attention the prophecies concerning His second coming get.
The Second Advent will result in Jesus Christ, our Saviour, appearing in all His glory and showing the world He is our King and Judge – why is the church so silent about this?! The world around us rapidly continues to spiral out of control yet the promise of His return instils in us real hope, a hope that is not wishful thinking but a guarantee of a restored future! This should be proclaimed from every church across the UK but instead the Laodicean church seems to have other priorities!
But you do have a choice! Even if your church leader isn’t looking for the second Advent and doesn’t preach on it or your fellowship friends don’t talk about it, everyone is solely responsible for their walk with God. At times it feels lonely talking about end times because others around us are silent on the issue, their faces go blank when you mention anything to do with world events and Bible prophecy. We believe there is a real blessing is studying the second Advent and all the surrounding prophecies, it even implants a sense of urgency to reach out to our family and friends.
It reminds us of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, five were wise and ready with their lamps prepared but the other five are described as ‘foolish’. Describing someone as foolish is rarely well-received, but if you do you would at least expect some sort of reaction from that person, and in one way this parable should cause Christians to react! It should motivate us to assess our walk with God and see how prepared we really are! Are we spending enough time reading the Bible? Are we at a church that is pleasing to God? Are we watching world events to see how they align to scripture? We only have ourselves to blame if we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us.
Jesus Christ is coming back exactly as the prophecies state, His second Advent is approaching as we see the world stage is set for the fulfilment of end time events. This Christmas, as many think of the first Advent, also ensure you are looking to the second Advent which is our blessed hope. There truly is a day coming soon when Jesus Christ will reign! Maranatha!
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1-13)
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