Advent 2023 #2—Loving His Appearing

For persevering in faith, the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me the crown of righteousness—and not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7–8

The first time Jesus appeared, only two people in the world were eager for him to arrive and were ready to love him. Even when God sent an angelic choir to proclaim his appearance in Bethlehem, those who learned of it didn’t seem to value it much. But as Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated the good news that the Kingdom of God was available to all who aligned themselves with him, more of us began to rejoice in his appearance. Now we wait for his second appearance, loving all that will occur when he returns. So we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Appearing as a babe, just loved by two,
Though celebrated by angelic choirs,
You hid your pow’r and glory from our view,
The joyful love and hope each heart desires.
But then the Father’s kindness did appear,
Just not as we expected it to do.
Your death and resurrection quelled our fear,
Enabling us to love and trust in you.
When you died, we died too; so now we wait
With hope filled hearts for you to reappear
And bring to light our life God hid in you.
We longingly desire to celebrate
Your advent as the judge who will make clear
Our righteousness for holding tight to you.

Additional texts about Jesus’ appearance:

From all eternity God granted us saving grace in Christ Jesus. Now he has revealed it by his appearance in our frame of reference. 2 Timothy 1:9–10

You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3–4