Come and Coming

"Blessed is he who waits." Daniel 12:12

The prophet Daniel never put up a Christmas tree, never lit an Advent wreath, and never sang a holiday carol. But he celebrated Christmas anyway. He anticipated the coming of the Messiah, and his whole life was lived against the backdrop of Christ's appearance. It gave him daily encouragement. In Daniel 7:13, he said: "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, [was] coming."
For us, too, the promise of His coming imparts optimism. Our attitude is that of Revelation 1:7: "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him."
Imagine how excited you'd be if your loved one were returning after a tour of duty in a war zone. You'd be almost giddy with excitment, straightening the house, planning a menu, calling friends, and preparing for the long-awaited reunion.
How wonderful that Jesus came, clothed in humanity, born of a virgin, laid in a manger. How wonderful that He is coming again, clothed in triumph, descending with angels, crowned with glory.
Celebrate Christmas this year with both a backward glance and forward look. Rejoice! Our King is coming.
From "Turning Points" by David Jeremiah