Merry Christmas, We look back to His birth and look forward to His return

Twas the night before Jesus came

There seems to be no greater story that fascinates us like the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. How does God become man…in the most unlikely way. In so many ways I think His return will happen in just the same way.

Although prophesied for hundreds and thousands of years before— (Gen 3:15, Mic 5:2, Isa 7:4, 14, Hos 11:1, Isa 9:6, 2 Sam 7:12-13, Ps 45:6-7)

He was received only by a handful, because He came in the most unlikely way for a king. 

However when He comes back the second time, He will be more recognizable because He will come back with a royal shout…(1 Thes 4:16, Rev 7)

not as a baby but as a warrior and king…with the government on His shoulder…called wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and the prince of peace (Isa 9:6)

I think the celebration of Christmas brings to life the beautiful assurance of another kingdom—the Messianic Kingdom when God comes again to earth and becomes king over all the earth and lives with us and causes all things to become new (Zeph 3:29). 

…and He will reign on earth 1000 years before He destroys Satan, death and his enemies once and for all, bringing a new heaven and new earth to us…the world becomes perfect again and we who had believed in Him before our death or before His second coming, live happily ever after with God, this is how the world ends, what a comfort as you celebrate Christmas, knowing that it only gets better for those who will dare to believe in this Baby in a manger (Rev 20, 21, 22)

Outside of the Bible itself, this little beautiful poem allows us to envision the reality of Emmanuel—God with us…this time not as a Baby to be our Savior, but as a Warrior to be our King—"Twas the night before Jesus".

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'

written by Unknown Author

'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! 

[Just like He came as a baby—Christmas being the Pre-show; Please make Him Lord of your life and be ready for His second coming—the final show].

Merry Christmas to you all from Comfortnotes