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Last week I highlighted the fact that Luke 2:10-12 is the Bible’s classic Christmas text, sung by an angelic choir to shepherds in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night. This week I would like to highlight the middle verse in that trilogy of verses, Luke 2:11, which states: “For today in the City of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (NASB). The following account is taken from Robert J. Morgan’s One Hundred Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart, chapter 95. I trust it will bless your souls as much as it does ours.

The world was perfectly aligned for the first Advent of our Lord Jesus. He was born in the fullness of time. Messiah arrived when the nation of Israel was a viable province in the political world, anchored by its capitol, Jerusalem. Jews of the Dispersion were scattered everywhere, providing footholds for the preaching of the early evangelists. The Pax Romana gave stability to the world, and the Roman roads contributed to the spread of the Gospel. The Greek language was universally spoken, which aided the rapid spread of Christianity.

Now world events are aligning for His second Advent. Every day the headlines warn of our brittle economy, the globalization of commerce, the secularization of culture, the nuclearization of the Middle East, the threat of global pandemics, the persecution of Christians, the rise of Islam, and the continued spread of the Gospel. World leaders talk of a new world order, and openly discuss a one-world currency. On every side are wars and rumors of war, false prophets, famines, and earthquakes.

The Bible says when we see these things aligning in these ways, we should lift our heads, for our redemption draws near. The message of Christmas isn’t for one day a year. Every day is a celebration that Jesus has come, every day an anticipation of His return.

When Jesus came the first time, He came wrapped in swaddling clothes. When He comes again, He will be dressed in the vestments of victory.

When He came the first time, there was no room in the inn. When He comes again, the whole world will be His domain.

He came the first time as King of the Jews. He will come again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He came the first time to be crucified. He will come again to be glorified.

He came the first time as the Author of our salvation. He will come again as the Finisher of our faith.

He came the first time with a baby’s cry. When He comes again, it will be with the roar of the Lion of the tribe of Judah.

His first coming was known only to a few shepherds, a handful of wise men, and a few residents of Bethlehem. When He comes again, it will be as lightning flashing east to west, He will come in the clouds of glory, and the entire universe will hear the news.

When He came at Bethlehem, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:15 NKJV). When He comers again, they will sing, “The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15 NKJV).

“If we prepare well for Christmas, and keep Christmas well when it comes, I think we shall prepare well and be ready to meet Jesus Christ when He comes again” – Edward Osborne

Morgan’s chapter ends at this point, but thankfully the story of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does not. He most definitely is coming again to set up a one thousand year earthly reign and then an eternal Kingdom which, as His children, we will be blessed to live in forever. Such is the real import of Christmas. Soli Deo Gloria!