… there is a blessed hope – the second Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
When Christ was born in Bethlehem the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). Anyone who is familiar with human history is painfully aware that the promise of “peace on earth” remains an unrealized hope. The “Prince of peace” suffered a violent death. The resurrection did not establish peace on earth. Within several days, the resurrected Prince of Peace ascended into the heavens. A few days later, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit was given. But, instead of universal peace the church was plunged into conflict and tribulation in which its leaders were imprisoned and martyred. For two thousand years the message of Christ has been proclaimed throughout the world. Violence and death continue to prevail. Even as we gather with family and friends for Christmas festivities, many will gather in sorrow. So much for “peace on earth.”
Christians have proclaimed that Christ is the fulfillment of the promises of the ancient Hebrew prophets. The ancient prophets of Israel looked beyond the horrors of the exile, beyond the alienation of the Babylonian captivity, and beyond promise of the return. They envisioned a new age of righteousness, peace, and justice; a new age when the entire cosmos would be set right (Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-9). With the prophets, Jesus and His apostles spoke of “birth pangs” and anxious longings within the cosmos, anticipating the glorification of all creation (Mark 13:8; Romans 8:18-23).
The birth of Christ is indeed cause for rejoicing and hope. His violent death on the cross demonstrates the cruelty of humanity; but also, God’s commitment to redeem humanity’s corruption. His resurrection signifies that He has conquered death and offers hope beyond the grave. His ascension means that he has been crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. Pentecost means that God is with us and in us. But we are still here in this present age of suffering, violence, and death. The recent obsession with the “Mayan apocalypse” reminds us that deep within the collective human consciousness there is a sense that the world is so corrupt that it must end. Hope for an age of perfect righteousness and justice is intuitive to the human soul.
The song of the angels only makes sense if there is a blessed hope – that the King of kings and Lord of lords will return, and with his return he will judge the living and the dead and establish the eternal reign of God. Herod, Pilate, and Caesar must be judged. False-prophets and self-righteous religious leaders must be judged. Liars, thieves, and immoral persons must be judged. The violence and chaos of the cosmos must be set right. Christmas only makes sense if we remember the words of Jesus: “…they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26).
The most popular Christmas hymn is “Joy to the World,” written by Isaac Watts in 1719. Watts did not write this hymn as a Christmas song, but as a hymn to celebrate the second advent of Christ in which God’s eternal reign is established. Even so, it has become so popular because it expresses our Christmas hopes. The lyrics of this hymn express the Christian hope of a new age – no more sin or sorrow. For 2000 years Christians have been celebrating the birth of Jesus. Plagues, wars, and natural disasters have not diminished the Christmas message of “Peace on earth.” As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we anticipate His glorious return!
