THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENT

The word 'advent' means ...  arrival of that which has been longed for. As it pertains to Christianity, the term refers to Jesus' first and second coming to earth.  

1. The first Advent ... the Promised Messiah

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) 

2. The second Advent ... the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)

And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:25-27)

But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:36-37)

Christmas Eve is upon us and we reflect on the First Advent, the precious gift of God's only begotten Son. But ... the age of grace is quickly coming to an end and the Second Advent is at the door. 

Adrian Rogers - The first time He came as a Lamb; He is coming again as a Lion. The first time He came in meekness; He is coming again in majesty. The first time He came to redeem; He is coming again to reign. The first time He wore a crown of thorns; He now wears a crown of glory. 

Make sure you are ready for His appearing ... Repent, therefore, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you - even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through His holy prophets. (Acts 3:19-21) 

Many centuries have come and gone since the First Advent. Through the ages, followers of Christ hoped they would see the return of their Redeemer King. Prophesy reveals that we are on the cusp of that great event. 

We could very well be that generation.