He upholds the universe by the Word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…
Hebrews 1:3

Who is Jesus Christ? Many people consider Him a great teacher of morality, a philosopher from the ancient past. Others describe Him as “the founder of one of the great world religions.” A few like to paint Him as another failed revolutionary who was taken out by the rulers of His day. But He is so much more than any of these.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Advent has a double focus. It’s a time to look back and remember the long wait for Him to come the first time (what we celebrate on Christmas), and a time to look forward and prepare our hearts for His return, His “Second Coming,” and yes, that’s on the agenda.

The first time, He came to “make purification for sin.” In Hebrew, that’s called the “Kippurah,” the atoning sacrifice that covers our guilt and paid the price of our forgiveness.

The second time around, He’ll come to call everyone who has ever lived to give an account of our lives: the final day of judgment, the end of time as we know it.

Meanwhile, He rules the universe from His throne in heaven, as co-regent, at the right hand of the Father. Not just a philosopher, or a teacher, or a guy with some good ideas, or a pathetic, failed revolutionary.

We’re in that waiting period between the first coming and the second one. So we wait, and we prepare. 

Lord Jesus, we wait for You, standing in awe, recognizing the inadequacy of any preparations we can offer to receive You when You return. Prepare my heart to receive You, Lord! Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles