Devotional

December 2008

Living By The Word
Alvonia McCoy, Th.D

Jesus Christ: Our Glorious Hope Scripture:

Scripture: "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come In like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven " (Acts 1:11).

As Christians all over the world prepare for the coming Christmas, we are to be mindful of the first advent, when Jesus Christ the Savior was born. Scripture leaves no doubt as to why He came. "For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost" (Matthew 18:11). Again, Jesus goes on to say " did not come to judge the world, but to save the world" (John 12:47).

Born in a lowly animal stable, He came as the "sinless, spotless Lamb of God" whose blood was shed for our redemption (1Peter 1:18-19). With humility, He came as a lowly man to serve others before suffering a horrible crucifixion on the cross at Calvary.

This is our glorious hope, that as sure as He came to suffer and die for us, He is coming again, but to reign! Christmas is a wonderful time to be reminded that theJesus is coming again! In the book of Revelation, we find these promises: "Look, IAm coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:12) As Christmas bells toll throughout the world, allow your heart to hear the glorious message of hope, " Jesus is coming, Jesus is coming soon!