A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Bethlehem. It's still a very small town, just a few miles south of Jerusalem. A very special feeling arose in my heart as I walked the narrow streets. The words of the Prophet Micah came to my mind, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2). God did not choose for His Son to enter the world through the religious epicenter, Jerusalem, but through the little known community of Bethlehem. The Prophet Micah had spoken this truth some 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Why didn't the religious leaders see and understand this truth from one of their own prophets? Then, like now, religion has a way of blinding one from the truth. It is my prayer that we the church will not be blinded by the same spirit and miss the many signs that are pointing to the soon return of Christ second coming. The many prophets who spoke so clearly of Christ first coming also speak of His second coming.

In the first advent, Jesus came as a little baby wrapped in cloths who was lying in a manger. Ultimately, Jesus did not choose to assert his authority with a sword, but rather he chose to affirm his love on a cross. However, His second advent will be quite different. The Prophet Zechariah tells us that, "On this day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west." (Zechariah 14:3). John tells us in Revelation 19:11-16 these words. "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, ridding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." This advent is quite different from the first. Let us study and see what the prophets say in regard to Christ Second Coming. Let us study and see what Jesus said about His second coming. If we do so, and if we are in prayer and fellowship with the one who will come again, then we will be ready and prepared to meet Him.

As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas, Let us the church also be prepared for Christmas. Let us remember that God passed by Jerusalem and chose Bethlehem to reveal His Son to the world. Let us the church be prepared, yes, in celebration of His first advent but also ready for His second advent as well.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Brother Ken.