The Second Coming: What Jesus’ Birth Foreshadows

Keyword: Jesus’ Second Coming

Introduction

The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is one of the most celebrated events in history, marking the arrival of God’s promise to save humanity. Yet, this miraculous event also points to another momentous occasion yet to come: Jesus’ return. The Second Coming, often called the “Blessed Hope,” is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Understanding the connection between Christ’s first coming and His return provides insight into the heart of the Gospel and its relevance for our lives today.

Jesus’ Birth: A Promise Fulfilled

The birth of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies from the Old Testament, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His promises. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet declares, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This prophecy, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23, reminds us that God’s promises are always trustworthy.

Just as the prophets foretold Jesus’ first coming, they also spoke of His return. Acts 1:11 records the angels’ words to the disciples after Jesus’ ascension: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” These words tie the first advent of Christ to the promise of His Second Coming.

The Second Coming: A Glorious Fulfillment

While Jesus’ birth was marked by humility, His return will be marked by glory and power. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus as a victorious King, coming on a white horse to establish His kingdom fully. His return will bring justice, peace, and the complete fulfillment of God’s plan for creation.

The Second Coming is not just a future event; it is central to the Christian hope. Titus 2:13 calls it the “blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” This hope motivates believers to live faithfully, knowing that Christ’s return is imminent and certain.

Lessons from the First Coming for the Second Coming

God’s timing is perfect. Just as the first coming occurred “when the set time had fully come” (Galatians 4:4), the Second Coming will happen in God’s perfect time. This reminds believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when His timing does not align with human expectations.

Faith and readiness are essential. The shepherds and wise men were ready to respond to Jesus’ birth with worship and obedience. Similarly, Jesus teaches in Matthew 24:44, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

The call to share the Gospel remains urgent. The angels announced Jesus’ birth as “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This same message drives the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel until Christ returns (Matthew 28:19-20).

Living in Expectation of His Return

Christ’s first coming serves as a model for how we should live as we await His return. Believers are called to:

Focus on spiritual growth. Colossians 3:2 urges, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Living in expectation of Jesus’ return should inspire holiness and devotion.

Engage in faithful service. Luke 12:43 says, “It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” Being active in God’s work demonstrates readiness for Christ’s return.

Encourage one another. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us to “encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Building each other up strengthens the church as we anticipate Jesus’ return.

Conclusion

The birth of Jesus foreshadows the hope and glory of His Second Coming. Just as God fulfilled His promise through Christ’s first advent, we can trust in His promise to return. This truth offers a profound hope that transforms how we live today, calling us to faith, readiness, and a commitment to proclaiming His message to the world.

Focused Quote

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13, NIV)