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Everyone loves Christ in the cradle. The image of the baby Jesus in the barn in Bethlehem warms our hearts. Every December, we relive that moment on the lawn or under the Christmas tree. Stores sell plastic donkeys and wooden mangers. People collect hand-carved statues of Mary, Joseph, and the newborn child.
We love Christ in the cradle.
We are all right with Christ, our gentle Messiah. Children sitting on his lap. The sheep gathered around him. The Apostle John is lying on his chest. Maria anoints his feet with oil. No one takes issue with a fun-loving rabbi who dispenses sage advice, feeds the crowd, and refills the wine at weddings.
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Christ in the cradle? wonderful. A kind-hearted Christ? fun. But will the coming king be Christ? With a stallion? Is it roaring from heaven? Are you wearing the enemy’s crown? Are you on a mission to destroy those who destroy your children?
This view of Jesus is not well known to the world. But this is the Jesus the world will soon see.
Did you know that the Second Coming is mentioned over 300 times in the Bible, averaging once every 25 verses?
The Bible is full of news of Christ’s second coming. Jesus promised his depressed disciples, “I will come again” (John 14:3 NKJV). When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angel said to the witnesses:[Jesus] “Just as you saw him go into heaven, so he will return” (Acts 1:11). Paul referred to “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:14). Peter declared. “The Lord is coming” (2 Peter 3:10). Judas announced, “Behold, the Lord is coming with thousands of holy ones” (Jude 14).
The image of the baby Jesus in the barn in Bethlehem warms our hearts. (2004 Getty Images)
We have entered the season of Advent. Advent brings us to the beautiful culmination of Christmas, where we celebrate the Incarnation of God.
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Are we ready for the hope of what will happen when Jesus, the very son born in Bethlehem, comes again to reign forever?
We will wait, but we must be prepared.
In preparation for the coming of the king. Ready. I’m waiting. Cautious. Like the soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The men and women who stand guard there exhibit an unparalleled level of loyalty. They spend eight hours preparing their uniforms. Gloves are worn wet to improve grip on the rifle. A shank is attached to the inside of each shoe to allow soldiers to click their heels.
Pastor Max Lucado and the cover of his latest book “What Happens Next” (MaxLucado.com)
The sentries repeat the same steps over and over again. Walk 21 steps, pause for 21 seconds, transfer the rifle to the opposite shoulder, and walk another 21 steps. Repeat this until you feel relieved at the changing of the guard.
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During the summer, soldiers are on duty for 30 minutes. 60 minutes in winter. They perform their duties in the heat of August and the cold of January. Even on nights when the cemetery is closed, the routine never changes. When Hurricane Isabel passed through the area in 2003, soldiers never stopped. Never. Trees fell and the wind blew, but they held their positions.
They have maintained this vigilance every day of every year since 1921.
Remarkable.
An Old Guard soldier walks on duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on November 5, 2023. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
QUESTION: If they can show the kind of loyalty that is rightfully due to anonymous dead soldiers, why can’t we do the same to a living, coming reigning king? If these sentinels patrol in honor of those who sacrificed, can’t more be done for our King who made the greatest sacrifice? We are part of his battalion. We are joining his regiment. We will be back with him someday. Can we not serve Him on this day?
Let’s be specific. What can you do today to honor the King? What kindness can you show? What sins can you forgive? What temptations can you resist? What gifts can you offer? What training can you start? What sacrifices can you make? What acts of love can you show?
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Be like those called to serve in the returning army of the King of Kings.
Christ in the cradle is now Christ wearing a crown. He’s coming soon.
Click here to read more about MAX LUCADO
