“Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

The Christmas season is a time of expectation. We discussed this at the beginning of this month about how people often seem to search for answers or wait with anticipation for great things to happen. Perhaps this is because the world received the gift of Jesus all those years ago, and all of creation waits in anticipation for the return of the King once again.

We know that the first time Jesus came to earth, He was placed in a manger, but the next time He comes to earth, He’s coming on a white horse. Revelation tells us, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new’" (21:4-5).

Christmas makes us think of renewal. We think of gathering with friends and family; we think of fresh snowfall that cleanses the earth, and we look at the wonder in kids’ eyes as they revel in the magic of Christmas. Everything about this season makes us want to be close, be renewed, and be in awe. It’s the very picture of what Jesus will do when He comes back.

He will gather His children, make all things new, and we’ll marvel at His glory forever, ruling with Him and all believers for all eternity.

The glory of Christmas is the overflow of our anticipation for Jesus.

He says, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:12). When He returns, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. We’ll no longer know sorrow or pain. We’ll never cry again because of sadness. Death will be a distant memory, and we will know fully as we are fully known.

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End (Rev. 21:6). Our story begins with God, and it will end with God. From creation to the cross, it’s all been a crescendo leading up to the return of Jesus.

So, we wait with an eager anticipation for the revealing of the Son of God (Romans 8:19), knowing that we will finally know peace on earth when Jesus Himself returns to earth.