II Thessalonians 2:1-5 (KJV)

 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, ² That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. ³ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ⁴ Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. ⁵ Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”

What an awesome time to celebrate the birth of Christ (the promise of his coming). The announcement(s) shared in Isaiah and in Luke. The reactions of both those that anticipated and those that were threatened by his arrival are well noted.  It is important to remain aware that Christ now sitting at the right hand of God (Matthew 26:64, Luke 22:69, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 8:1, Colossians 3:1) will come again. His return will not be as child to bring “Joy to the World”, but Judgement.

Grace has given those of us that have accepted Christ insolation of that Judgement, which allow us to remain unfearful of that day (II Thessalonians 2:2). He shall come first to remove us (The Body of Christ) {II Thessalonians 2:1, I Thessalonians 4: 17}. At that appearing, it will be as a magnetic draw of the saints, as Christ is suspended above the earth, and all that are in Christ shall be gathered unto Him! From every city, from every hillside, from every hamlet, from every town, from every resting place, those both dead and alive, both young and old, those of varied language, those of varied hue, we shall all be caught up to meet Christ in the air.

And then judgment shall come for those outside of Christ. II Thessalonians give warning of that day. The anti-Christ shall present himself, the anti-Christ, who is opposed to God, but also presents himself as God. Sadly, some will receive him, having rejected Him (CHRIST). This is an announcement that Christ is coming again; receive Him now before judgment falls.

Prayer 

Lord we now await your return, that we may dwell in your peace. That all the world will know that you are God. May your grace known through your Word, and the joy of salvation grip the hearts of those that hear.

Amen!