Have a Glorious Christmas!

(Plain Text Version)

The Twofold Coming of Christ

An adaptation of the writing of St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who lived around 360 AD:

We do not preach only one coming of Christ, but a second as well, much more glorious than the first.

At the first coming he was wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. At his second coming he will be clothed in light as in a garment.

In the first coming he endured the cross; in the second coming he will be in glory, with an army of angels.

At his first coming, he came to teach men by gentle persuasion. At the second coming, men will be subjects of his kingdom, whether they like it or not.

The prophet Malachi speaks of the two comings.

(First coming) And the Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple:

(Second coming) Look, the Lord almighty will come, and who will endure the day of his entry, or who will stand in his sight? Because he comes like a refiner’s fire, a fuller’s herb, and he will sit refining and cleansing.  (Malachi 3: 1-3)

These two comings are also referred to by Paul in writing to Titus:

(First coming) The grace of God the Savior has appeared to all men, instructing us to put aside impiety and worldly desires and live temperately, uprightly, and religiously in this present age,

(Second coming) waiting for the joyful hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Titus 2: 11-14)

This is why we say:

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.  (Nicene Creed at Mass)

Our Lord Jesus Christ will therefore come from heaven. He will come at the end of the world, in glory, at the last day. For there will be an end to this world, and the created world will be made new. 

Imagine a Visit By an Angel

Imagine you are a shepherd in Palestine 2000 years ago.  Despised by the “respectable” people, you are at the bottom of the social ladder. It is your turn to watch for trouble tonight.  Suddenly, an awesome presence awakes everyone.  God has sent one of His messengers.  Will it be bad news or good news?  To your surprise, the angel says:

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  (Matthew 2:10-11)

You are first to hear the Good News, and you are share it with anyone who will listen.  God thinks very highly of you! 

Just as He sent His angels to the shepherds, God comes to us, so that we can come to Him.  God loves us and wants to share His life with us.  At Christmas, God renews His offer of peace to all those who are humble enough to admit their need for Him.