The Wonder of Bethlehem: He Already Came!

Today’s Passage – 2 Peter 3 – 1 John 3; (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read –Psalms 116 – 120; Proverbs 24)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34:1 – 4

Read the “1224 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

I was a little anxious as I approached the daily Bible reading and the task of expressing a thought from it for today’s post. Frankly, I wanted to write some thoughts regarding Christmas, but I also want to keep to the format that we typically use, which is sharing thoughts that come directly from the daily reading. I prayed that God would give me something from this passage that I could connect with the celebration of Christmas, and I believe He has answered that prayer.

1 Peter 3 deals with the second coming of Christ which is a two-part event beginning with Christ first returning to the earth to remove His Bride (the Church) from the earth through the Rapture (1 Thes 4:13 – 18; 1 Cor 15:51 – 58). After seven years of Tribulation on the earth, Christ will then return with His saints to set up His earthly kingdom and put down all those who rejected His offer of forgiveness and rebelled against His lordship.

Scoffers and the Promise of His Coming

• “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3 & 4)

In Peter’s day, scoffers mocked the idea of Christ’s return—and the same doubt echoes today. Some even within the church struggle to believe His coming is imminent. I strongly believe it could happen at any moment and frankly, it concerns me greatly. Don’t misunderstand, I am certainly looking forward to spending eternity with my Lord and with my loved ones who are saved, but my problem is that I have many friends and loved ones who do not yet know Christ.

God’s Longsuffering: A Gift of Salvation

God’s delay isn’t indifference—it’s mercy. He patiently waits, giving more time for people to repent and be saved. God wants my loved ones to be saved more than I do:

• “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
• “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;” (2 Peter 3:15)

It is my prayer and hope that the longer He delays His coming, the more people will be saved. I have some folks in my life that I love dearly that I am not sure about. I want to see them trust Christ.

Christian, this Christmas season is a wonderful time to be a witness to our friends and family members.

Tying It to Christmas: He Already Came!

It just may be that this year at Christmas they will see the importance of Christ’s first coming, which was to die for the sins of the world. We talk a lot about the second coming, and we should, but we also need to remember that it is Christ’s first coming to Bethlehem’s manger that brought about the blood atonement and our forgiveness. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if somebody you love was to see a manger scene or hear a Christmas song, and somehow get ahold of the true meaning of Christ’s first coming and thereby be prepared for His second.

A Call to Witness This Season

Jesus came first to Bethlehem’s manger, to die for the world’s sins and offer forgiveness through His blood atonement. A manger scene, a carol, or a simple conversation could help someone grasp His first coming—and prepare them for the second. The Christmas season is a wonderful time to speak to our loved ones about the Lord. Why not invite your family and friends to come out to church with you this evening for a Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Questions to Ponder

Who in your life needs to hear about Christ’s first coming this Christmas?

How does God’s patience in delaying encourage you to share the Gospel?

What unsaved friend or family member will you pray for—and reach out to—today?

Leave a comment below: Share your witnessing stories, prayer requests, or thoughts—I’d love to hear them!