THE SECOND ADVENT

 

THE SECOND ADVENT

The term “Advent” is a version of the Latin word which means “coming.”  The Advent season is traditionally observed by Christians as a period of waiting expectantly for the “coming of Christ.” Each year according to the Gregorian calender Advent is celebrated beginning from the fourth Sunday before Christmas up until Christmas. It might appear that it is a celebration of the coming of Christmas or of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. This is actually quite true. But above and beyond preparing for and celebrating Christmas,  Advent is meant to serve as a reminder to us that Jesus Is coming again, and He is coming soon.

We are living in a world that has been completely taken over by the devil. And only by grace are we able to keep our heads above water. Goings on around us are are a clear indication of this. Abominable shameful acts are being cheered and celebrated openly. Some might be led to think “Is God not running a bit late? He should just send Jesus back already! Or is there not a second coming when He will come back to earth to reign?” PLEASE, DO NOT BE DECEIVED!! Though it tarry, trust me, Jesus will surely come again. This is that one thing that will surely come to pass “come what may”!

Apostle Paul put it this way in 2 Peter 3: NEW LIVING TRANSLATION

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”  But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him.  2 Peter 3: 3,4,8,9,14 & 15 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION

The only reason Jesus has not yet come is because God is waiting. Please see The Place of Praise blog article of Nov. 6th, 2018 “GOD IS WAITING TOO”. God is patiently waiting for us to change our ways and turn back to Him. He does not wish for any one of us His children to perish.

Therefore, as we celebrate this Advent Season and are preparing for Christmas,  I dare ask how prepared are we for the Second Advent?  There is a fixed date for this annual event of Advent and so we are always notified and we make all kinds of plans well in advance. But be reminded that at the Second Advent when Jesus will come again, there will be absolutely no announcement. As it is written The day will come upon us like a thief in the night. All the notice we will get is there in the scriptures. So take heed now.Nobody knows the exact time.  Let us therefore be very mindful of  how we spend our time and not be carried away by the things of the world. The Christmas trees and decorations are all very pretty and attractive but the real deal is that we allow Jesus a place in our hearts and in our lives so that we can be assured a place with Him when He comes back.  He will no longer be a babe in the manger then  but He will come as a King to rule and reign in  power and glory. I leave you with the following verses from this popular advent hymn; “Lo! He comes with Clouds Descending,” by Charles Wesley.

Lo! He comes with Clouds Descending,

Once for favored sinners slain;

Thousand thousand saints attending,

Swell the triumph of His train:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

God appears on earth to reign.

 

Yea, Amen! let all adore Thee,

High on Thine eternal throne;

Savior, take the power and glory,

Claim the kingdom for Thine own;

O come quickly! O come quickly!

Everlasting God, come down!     CHARLES WESLEY 1707 – 1788

AS WE WAIT EXPECTANTLY FOR THE SECOND ADVENT,  I PRAY WE WILL NOT BE CAUGHT UNAWARE AND  OUR EXPECTATIONS WILL NOT BE CUT OFF. BE PREPARED! 

 

OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS ©