December 14, 2021 - Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 21:25-28

Anticipation is such a part of Christmas, especially for children! Families and Sunday School teachers have recounted the miracle of the first Christmas down through the ages. In our day, the story of Christmas is still one of anticipation as people tell of the coming of Christ's birth with the expectancy of His return as Sovereign King instead of a baby in the manger.

In the Old Testament, prophecies were very specific concerning our Lord's first appearing. Prophets like Isaiah, Micah, Haggai and Nahum all spoke of the One who was to come. Their hope was this promised Messiah would appear and bring in the awaited Kingdom of God.

With the same urgency, the New Testament writers looked with expectation for this Savior to come back as "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Rev. 19:16). The writers gave clear teaching regarding the Lord's return and their desire to see Christ again. Luke, Paul, Peter, and John also desired their readers to anticipate that glorious day!

This hymn, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus was written by Charles Wesley in 1744 and published in 1745 with seventeen other Christmas hymns in a collection entitled, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. One of over 6,500 hymns written by Wesley, it calls upon the people of God to expectedly look for Christ!

Just as Christ's birth over 2,000 years ago changed the course of history, so will His return as King of Kings. With all believers throughout the ages, may we walk through life's path with anticipation of our Lord's return.

Perhaps you are growing tired and the promises of Christ seem distant and unbelievable. Rejoice in the truth that God's eternal promises do not change. The promises of His first coming were fulfilled after a long-anticipated time. In a similar manner, the Lord will come a second time and set His people free. He will fulfill His promise and establish His throne forever.

I encourage you to read or listen to this hymn of faith and meditate upon the last stanza, "Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king; born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious Kingdom bring." Just as Christ came the first Christmas as was prophesied many years before, so we can trust He will triumphantly return in the future.