In light of the Christmas season—the celebration of the first coming of the Messiah—it is fitting to pause and reflect on the deep sense of longing that surrounded His birth. Christmas reminds us that God’s people waited, sometimes for generations, trusting that He would keep His promises. This reflection looks at the expectancy surrounding Jesus’ first coming and compares it with the hope believers now carry as we await His return. By turning to Scripture, we are reminded how faithfully God fulfilled His word the first time, why the season we are living in now is unlike any other in history, and how these truths invite us to live with watchful, hope-filled hearts as we look forward to the Messiah coming again.

The Hope That Marked the First Coming

Long before Jesus was born, God spoke words of hope through the prophets. These promises were carried through generations marked by hardship, uncertainty, and waiting. Still, God’s people trusted that He would send a Redeemer, even when the fulfillment felt distant.

Isaiah wrote of a child who would bring lasting peace:

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Micah pointed to the small and unexpected place where this promise would unfold:

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah…
From you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.” (Micah 5:2)

By the time Jesus was born, the longing had grown deep. Israel lived under Roman rule, aching for rescue and restoration. Many expected the Messiah to come with visible power, yet God chose humility—entering the world as a baby, laid in a manger. Even so, every promise was fulfilled, exactly as God had spoken.

Paul later reflected on the beauty of God’s perfect timing:

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son…” (Galatians 4:4)

The Promise We Still Hold Today

The story did not end at the manger, nor even at the cross. After His resurrection, Jesus spoke of a day when He would come again—not quietly, but in glory.

As the disciples watched Him ascend into heaven, they were given this promise:

“This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you watched Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

The New Testament gently but consistently reminds believers that we are people who wait. We live between promise fulfilled and promise yet to come. Jesus described His return as unmistakable and glorious:

“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26)

Why This Season Feels Different

Believers throughout history have lived with hope for Christ’s return, yet our time carries a unique weight. Jesus spoke of a world marked by unrest, instability, and shaking:

“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines.” (Mark 13:8)

He also described a growing weariness of the heart:

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

And yet, alongside these sobering realities, Jesus spoke of hope—something never before possible on a global scale:

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

For the first time in history, the good news of Jesus is reaching the nations in unprecedented ways. The world feels fragile and connected all at once—broken, yet full of longing for redemption. These are not signs meant to stir fear, but to awaken expectancy.

Living in Hopeful Expectation

Jesus never asked His followers to live in anxiety or attempt to predict dates. Instead, He invited them into watchfulness and faithfulness:

“Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

Paul described this waiting as hopeful and eager:

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

This kind of waiting shapes how we live. It teaches us to love more deeply, hold this world more lightly, and trust God more fully. Just as God was faithful to send the Messiah the first time—exactly as promised—He will be faithful to complete what He has begun.

A Hope Rooted in Faithfulness

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we are reminded that God keeps His word. The Savior who came in humility will return in glory.

The final prayer of Scripture still echoes in the hearts of believers today:

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

Until that day, we live with hearts awake—grateful for the Messiah who came, and filled with hope for the Messiah who is coming again.

A Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
As we remember Your birth this Christmas, thank You for coming into our world with humility, love, and grace. Help us to trust Your faithfulness, just as generations before us did. Teach us to live with hopeful expectation—not fearful, but ready; not distracted, but watchful. May our lives reflect gratitude for Your first coming and joyful anticipation of Your return.
Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

From Our Family to Yours:

Merry Christmas! ♥

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org

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