Advent is the time leading up to Christmas in which we prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate how Jesus first came to us at his birth, and we look forward to Jesus’ second coming at the end of all things. At his birth, Jesus came in humility to offer salvation and establish a way to God. The second coming will be a glorious, powerful return to bring justice, establish his kingdom, and fulfill all things. Together, these two comings fulfill God’s redemptive plan. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to inaugurate God’s plan to bring salvation to all people. His birth was the fulfillment of ancient promises of God. His return at the end of all things is promised as well. Jesus will return and bring all of God’s plans to their perfect completion and make all of us new.
At First Baptist Rockport this Christmas, we will look back with joy and thankfulness, look ahead with hope and anticipation, and then make decisions on how to live right now in light of both our past and our future.
