"The Next Time"

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:18

"Was on this wise"- in other words, Jesus' birth took place this way. Jesus' first coming took place in a certain way. He came as a helpless baby wrapped in the likeness of sinful flesh. He was born into this world through a virgin. He came as a sacrificial lamb to take away our sins.

The prophets told us in God's word that Jesus would come. They told us where He would be born. They told us how He would be born. They told us all about it. And it happened- every last detail- the way it was said. The prophets and Jesus Himself told us that He will come again a second time. And this time it won't happen in the same way as it did at His first coming.

When He comes the second time He will come openly so that every eye shall see Him. He will be riding on a white horse. He will be coming in full majesty, as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords. He won't come as the Lamb that takes away sins, but as the One who will judge sin and sinners.

Jesus came the first time just like God said He would, therefore, He will come again a second time like God says He will. He came the first time so that we could be prepared for when He comes the second time. Are you ready for His return? To be ready you must go to the manger first. You have to meet Him as a babe and a Lamb before you can meet Him as your King.

Have a great day... and a blessed Christmas. He came the first time as the Lamb that takes away sins, so that we could be prepared for when He comes the next time as the King.

For further reading:
John 1:29
Revelation 1:7
John 3:16,17
Acts 16:31
1 John 5:13
Luke 21:27