The Advent Season is a time of preparation and anticipation as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. While Jesus came to our world as a baby in the little town of Bethlehem, we anticipate today, on this side of the manger, His second coming when He will take us to heaven to be with Him forever. As the angels said to His disciples when He ascended into heaven,
“…why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
At Christmas, we rejoice in Christ’s coming to save us from our sins, but, as He came first to save us, He will come again to receive us and finish what He began so long ago. You really cannot celebrate Christmas without looking forward to heaven.
That is why the angels who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds were introduced as “…a multitude of the heavenly host.” There was a taste of heaven on the night when He was born. The stable and the manger, the crowded city of Bethlehem, the swaddling clothes and the fact that there was no room for Him in the inn show us that Jesus was born into this world which was not ready to receive Him. The gospel of John says so,
“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)
Even so, His second coming will be a surprise to everyone,
“For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
The Advent season is not only a time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is also a reminder of His second coming for which we eagerly wait and look forward to with patience.
During the Christmas Season, you may want to share with your children or grandchildren some of the truths about heaven that they can understand:
Help your children learn about the second coming of Jesus this Christmas. Heaven is a real as Bethlehem is real. Heaven is as certain has the birth of Jesus is certain. It will be a great blessing to talk about heaven over the next few days as you are wrapping presents and listening to Christmas carols. Get yourself ready for Advent.
“…why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
At Christmas, we rejoice in Christ’s coming to save us from our sins, but, as He came first to save us, He will come again to receive us and finish what He began so long ago. You really cannot celebrate Christmas without looking forward to heaven.
That is why the angels who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds were introduced as “…a multitude of the heavenly host.” There was a taste of heaven on the night when He was born. The stable and the manger, the crowded city of Bethlehem, the swaddling clothes and the fact that there was no room for Him in the inn show us that Jesus was born into this world which was not ready to receive Him. The gospel of John says so,
“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)
Even so, His second coming will be a surprise to everyone,
“For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
The Advent season is not only a time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is also a reminder of His second coming for which we eagerly wait and look forward to with patience.
During the Christmas Season, you may want to share with your children or grandchildren some of the truths about heaven that they can understand:
- In heaven, no one will be crying – Revelation 21:4
- In heaven, we will have a wonderful place to live – John 14:2
- In heaven, we will be with Jesus forever – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
- In heaven, there is no night time nor darkness – Revelation 22:5
- In heaven, you will be surrounded by the love of God – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Help your children learn about the second coming of Jesus this Christmas. Heaven is a real as Bethlehem is real. Heaven is as certain has the birth of Jesus is certain. It will be a great blessing to talk about heaven over the next few days as you are wrapping presents and listening to Christmas carols. Get yourself ready for Advent.
Jesus IS coming again!
RSS Feed