THE SOUL is shaped by words, images, & experiences.

THIS BLOG is about those things that have left their impression on me. I'd love for you to comment on what affects you.
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Check out the incredible view from my balcony this evening. The awesome majesty of the clouds prompted me to ask, "Are you coming back tonight, Lord?" The visual is perfect for what I had planned to post. Thank you, Lord!

As we celebrate Jesus' first coming to the earth, I thought it would be timely to give a glimpse of what His second coming will be like. The Bible says:

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." -1Thessalonians 4:16-18

An unknown Christian, inspired by additional verses of scripture (mostly from the book of Revelation), took 'Twas The Night Before Christmas and wrote a thoughtful parody that speaks of Christ's second coming:

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE JESUS CAME
(author unknown)

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

***

HAVE A JOYOUS JESUS-FILLED CHRISTMAS!

Photo by L. Trecroce

2 comments:

Amy Deardon said...

Hi Lydia --

Oh, I've been away this past week and missed such wonderful posts on your blog :-((( But they are wonderful to read now, as I bake cookies and prepare Christmas Eve dinner for tomorrow night (beef-and-mushrooms...)

Your sons are so handsome! How wonderfully blessed you and your husband are.

Your poem on the second coming is beautiful! May I borrow it with attribution and link of the post on your blog? Please please?

I'll write to you soon -- and I'm sorry about the tagging, I think maybe I pilfered your circle :-( Mea culpa. Love your contest -- who won the chocolate???

Merry Christmas, and may you have a beautiful time with family and friends in contemplation of our Lord.

Anonymous said...

Lydia -- Awesome Photo!

I continue to enjoy reading your blog -- thank you for sharing your beautiful writing talent.

Dollie