The first time He came it was barely noticeable. Born of virgin . . . in the small town of Bethlehem . . . away in a manger . . . on a silent night . . . what Child is this? But a child . . . a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes . . . lowly . . . in complete dependence on the mother who nursed Him . . . the father who would care for Him. Announced by angels to some shepherds in the fields . . . but, by and large, not recognized as anything special by most who were in the area. That’s how He entered earth’s scene the first time . . . that’s the “backstage” entrance He made on “opening night”. This humble first arrival on earth’s stage opened the way to life . . . life to the full . . . for all who would believe. And His first appearing would result in a yearning . . . a longing among His people through the ages . . . that He would come again . . . that they would know His glory in the midst. And the echo through the generations from the people of God has been, “Encore!”

And when He comes again, the babe in the manger . . . the Lamb on the cross . . . will come as the Warrior of Heaven.

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The One sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems, and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.   (Revelation 19:11-14, 16 ESV)

Talk about your contrast. The eyes of the Infant are now flaming fire . . . the swaddling clothes worn by the Babe are now replaced with a robe dipped in blood . . . the hairless head of the Child is now crowned with diadems of glory and power . . . the singing angels over the fields have given way to the armies of heaven amassed over the earth. He who was named Jesus is now called the Word of God . . . He who was identified as Emmanuel, God with us, is now recognized as King of kings and Lord of lords, the Sovereign over us.

Oh that I might look beyond the baby King and behold the risen King. That I might see in the Christ Child a foreshadow of the glory revealed in Him who is called Faithful and True. That I might look beyond the meekness and humility of a manger and be reminded of the power and glory of the Majesty.

That I would, during this Christmas celebration, join and rejoice with an unseen multitude before the throne of God declaring, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God . . . Hallelujah! For the Lord God the Almighty reigns” (Rev. 19:1, 6).

Oh that I might, as I consider the grace shown in His first coming, shout, “Encore!” . . . desiring the glory of His second appearing.

To Him be glory alone! Amen?

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’’ Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

(Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Charles Wesley)