newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Everyone loves Christ in the cradle. The image of the child Jesus in the barn of Bethlehem warms our hearts. Every December, we recreate that moment on our lawns and underground Christmas trees. Stores sell plastic donkeys and wooden mangers. People collect hand-carved images of Mary, Joseph, and the newborn.
We love Christ in the cradle.
We're all right with Christ the gentle Christ. The children are sitting on his lap. The sheep gathered around him. John the Apostle leaning on his chest. Mary anointed his feet. No one has a problem with a nice rabbi dispensing sage advice, feeding the crowds, and filling the wine at a wedding.
How to say “Happy Birthday” in 10 languages to your friends around the world
Christ in the cradle? amazing. Is Christ kind-hearted? He walked. but Christ the coming king? On the stallion? Roar from the sky? Crowned with the crowns of his enemies? On a mission to destroy those who destroy their children?
The world is less accustomed to this view of Jesus. Yet this is the Jesus the world will soon see.
Did you know that the Second Coming was mentioned in the Bible more than three hundred times, at a rate of once every twenty-five verses?
The Bible flows with news of Christ's return like a flood of water. Jesus assured his depressed disciples: “I will come again” (John 14:3). When Jesus ascended, the angel said to the witnesses: “He (Jesus) will come again just as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Paul referred to “the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:14). Peter affirmed: “The day of the Lord will come” (2 Peter 3:10). Jude declared: “Behold, the Lord is coming with thousands and thousands of his saints” (Jude 14).
The image of the child Jesus in the barn of Bethlehem warms our hearts. (2004 Getty Images)
We are in Advent season. Advent brings us to the beautiful climax of Christmas, where we celebrate the incarnation of God.
Are we ready to hope for what is to come when Jesus, The same child who was born in Bethlehem Will he come again to rule forever?
We are waiting but we must be prepared.
Ready for the arrival of our next king. ready. expected. springy. Like the soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The men and women standing there display a level of devotion that is unparalleled. They devote eight hours to preparing their uniforms. Gloves are worn wet to improve grip of the gun. The shanks are attached to the inside of each shoe so that the soldier can click on his heels.
Pastor Max Lucado and the cover of his latest book “What Happens Next” (MaxLucado.com)
The guard repeats the same gait over and over again: twenty-one steps, then a pause for twenty-one seconds, the gun moves to the other shoulder, then another twenty-one steps. He or she repeats this until he or she feels comfortable with the changing of the guard.
Click here for more Fox News opinions
During the summer months, a soldier is on duty for thirty minutes. During the winter 60 minutes. They accomplish their mission in the heat of August and the cold of January. The routine never changes, not even at night when the cemetery is closed. when Hurricane Isabel When troops moved through the area in 2003, the soldiers never stopped. Not once. The trees fell and the wind blew, but they held their positions.
They have maintained this vigilance every day of every year since 1921.
distinct.
A soldier from the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the “Old Guard,” marches during a changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on November 05, 2023, in Arlington, Virginia. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Question: If they can show such loyalty rightfully extended to the nameless dead soldiers, can't we do the same for our next living ruling king? If these guards are willing to patrol in honor of those who have sacrificed, can't we do more for our King, who made the greatest sacrifices? We are members of his battalion. We are registered in his regiment. We will return with him one day. Can't we serve Him on this day?
Let me be specific. What can you do today in honor of your King? What kindness can you do? What crime can you forgive? What temptation can you resist? What gift can you give? What discipline can you start? What sacrifice can you make? What act of love can you show?
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Let us act like people who have been called to be soldiers in the army of return King of kings.
The Christ of the cradle is now the Christ with the crown. He's coming soon.
