Coffee and a Good Book!

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

First Advent and Second Advent

Christians are starting the Advent season of the church. This celebration lasts for four Sundays and is to recognize the coming of Jesus Christ with His birth in Bethlehem.

Many Christians also use the Advent time to think about His second coming, called the Second Advent. The second coming is foretold in Matthew 12: 17-21, which is based on Isaiah 42: 1-4. The first part of Isaiah tells of Jesus coming in weakness, and the second part is His coming into power.

I found this poem about the Second Advent.

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came.

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East, there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready, He rose without a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood, and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life, and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

Christians see the Second Advent (Second Coming) as Joyful. He is our Good Shepherd.

Some people think they know when the Second Advent will happen, but Jesus said He did not know when it would happen. So how can anyone on earth now know?

Only God knows!

We do not know when it will happen, but we love the promise it will happen.

This is a Christmas Recipe you might like. The author is unknown.

Isn't it great the year ends with such a joyous celebration?