As we saw a couple weeks ago, in Mark 13 Jesus prophesies about how history will culminate with his Second Advent: all people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory (13:26). Jesus is drawing on Daniel’s prophecy (7:13-14) about the future appearing of “one like a son of man,” a figure who would be given dominion and glory by the “Ancient of Days,” and reign over all peoples and nations forever—an eternal kingdom.
In his first appearing, Jesus announced and inaugurated God’s reign, and before his second coming and the consummation of his kingship, Jesus’ mission to all peoples will be fully realized (Mark 13:10). And we stand in the middle of this unfolding plan; we follow Jesus on mission between his once and future comings.
This Christmas make sure to keep Jesus’ promised Second Advent in view—in your heart and with your family. This season we focus, of course, on the birth of the Son of God, but Jesus urges us to remember that his second coming is on the horizon. Don’t let worship of the Christ-Child be separated from anticipation of his future appearing to judge and reign and make all things new!
So too, Isaiah’s advent prophecy connects the Messiah’s first and second comings: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (9:6-7).
Isaiah’s announcement of a birth points to Christ’s First Advent, and the prophecy of an eternal reign of peace, righteousness, and justice anticipates his Second Advent. Messiah’s humble incarnation—his Christmas arrival—points to his glorious future reign!
(For further thoughts on a forward-looking Christmas, see Jon Bloom's helpful article on why Christmas keeps us waiting. "Christmas is about what's coming.")
