This week, we include a Christmas story that happened after the birth of our Lord, but is a lesson that helps us to prepare for Christ’s Second Advent, His Second Coming.  In Matthew 2:1-12 the visit of the Magi from the East brings surprising gifts to the Infant King and arouses hate and maddening revenge from another king. The presence of the Magi, Gentiles, marks the Epiphany of Jesus to the Gentiles, as well as the trails of faith that will follow Jesus and His followers all the way until now. Yet, there is glory in the visit and hope in the story for every one of us. We serve a King who was despised and rejected and whose death and entombment was defeated by resurrection and an open grave. This forms the new hope in each of our lives. Yet, as we await His Second Coming, we, too, live through the trials that afflict Christians throughout the ages. The Second Coming of Christ is not only a great theological truth to be studied, but a glorious doctrine to be cherished. Christ’s Second Advent is our promise of a new heaven and a new earth. It is our promise of justice, of the eradication of pain and suffering. Let the Christmas presents this year remind you not only of those first gifts, but the gift of God, Jesus Christ, who is bringing the gift of a new heaven and a new earth, a gift that brings hope in our darkest hours today, and makes life worth living.

Dr. Michael Milton, Transitional Pastor