The King Has Come... And He's Coming Again!

By Danny Saavedra

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”—Matthew 2:2 (NIV)

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”—Revelation 22:20 (NIV)

Christmas morning has arrived. The waiting is over. The Savior has come.

But the story of Christmas doesn’t end at the manger . . . it begins there!

Matthew 2 tells us how the Magi came from the East, guided by a star, looking for a King. They had studied the Scriptures and followed the light until it led them to the Light of the world. When they finally found Him, they bowed down in worship and offered their treasures that revealed something about who this child truly was:

Gold for a King whose rule would never end.

Frankincense for a Priest whose prayers and presence would reconcile us to God.

Myrrh for a Savior who would suffer and die to redeem His people.

Even at His birth, the shadow of the cross stretched over the cradle. Jesus came not to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many. The baby born in Bethlehem would one day wear a crown of thorns, rise from the grave, ascend to heaven, and, at the appointed time, return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Magi asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” That question still echoes through the ages. Where is the King? For now, He reigns in heaven and rules in the hearts of those who trust Him. But one day soon, the sky will split, the trumpet will sound, and the same Jesus who said at His trial, “You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62 NIV) will return in glory.

Revelation 19:11–13 (NIV) gives us the scene: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. . . . He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.”

This is the great hope of Christmas: The King who came once in humility will come again in majesty. But until that day, we live in what theologians call the now and the not yet . . . the tension between His first advent and His second.

Revelation 21:5 (NIV) declares, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” That day is coming, when every tear will be wiped away, every wrong will be made right, and every heart that belongs to Him will rejoice forever in His presence.

And until then, we live to proclaim the coming King. Philippians 2:10–11 (NIV) tells us one day “every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Our mission now is to invite people to bow willingly today. Our purpose in life is to joyfully acknowledge Jesus as Lord now so that when He returns, they’ll meet Him as Savior and not as Judge.

So, as you open gifts today and celebrate with loved ones, pause to remember the greatest gift of all: the gift of Jesus. The King has come . . . and He’s coming again.

Put It To Practice: Celebrate!

Celebration is a huge part of God’s heart! He designed us to celebrate special occasions to remember and reflect on His faithfulness while also enjoying His gifts to us! Whatever plans you have today, take time to enjoy the people around you, enjoy good food and laughter, and enjoy the best gift of all, Jesus in your life!

For the Family

Today’s Main Idea: The baby born in Bethlehem will one day return as King!

Ask Together:

1. What does it mean that Jesus is coming again?
2. How can we live today to show others His love and truth while we wait?

Prayer

King Jesus, on this Christmas day we worship You . . . not just as the baby in the manger, but as the risen and returning King. Thank You for coming once to save us and for promising to come again to restore all things. As we live between Your first and second coming, help us walk in faithfulness, humility, and hope. May our lives reflect Your glory so that others might bow their hearts to You now in joy. Come quickly, Lord Jesus our King, our Priest, our Savior. Amen.