An End and a Beginning - You Won’t Miss this Glorious Day

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

To read more from Philippians 2, click here: Philippians 2:1-13

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

The holiday season is wrapping up (pun intended).

As we ponder Christmas 2025 and the new year ahead, we are all preparing to box all the decorations and put them away for another year. But before we close this chapter, it's worth pausing to ask ourselves what this story means for us now.

Perhaps this is the perfect moment to consider how the story of Jesus' birth can inspire our actions and outlook in the coming year. His birth in the manger was not the end of the story. It was only the beginning.

Jesus’ first arrival in Bethlehem was quiet and humble. Born into a poor family in an obscure place - choosing a manger instead of a palace. And being welcomed only by ordinary shepherds who heard the angels’ declaration: “Glory to God in the highest. And on earth, peace, goodwill toward all.”

Jesus’ first coming revealed to us God’s heart.

It was God’s loving heart that devised the plan to send His beloved Son, to be born humbly, then to suffer and die in our place. Through Jesus death and resurrection, He offers transformation, inviting all people into His Kingdom, where everyone is welcomed regardless of background or status.

When Jesus time on earth was over, He was exalted to the highest place at God’s right hand. Now Jesus has dominion and power over all things.

But God’s plan is not for Jesus to stay and reign from heaven indefinitely. He did not leave us to live in this broken, dark, sin-sick world to forever. Instead, Jesus promised His followers that He would return to restore all things (see John 14:3 and Acts 1:11).

Friends, Jesus is coming back again to complete God’s redemptive work and bring lasting hope to all who trust in Him.

Jesus’ first coming was almost hidden. In stark contrast, His second coming will be unmistakable and filled with glory. His return will be witnessed by all people across the world, leaving no room for doubt or obscurity.

Revelation 1:7 declares,

"Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. .." 

Maybe you fear the day when Jesus returns in His full glory. Maybe you worry that when all the details of your life are laid before His all-seeing eyes, you will be found unworthy. Maybe you wonder if your kneeling before the LORD Jesus will feel more like cowering in shame than awe filled praise.

If so, remember the reason behind Jesus’ first coming. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”  John 3:17

Together, Jesus’ first and second coming form a complete story. His first coming was for the purpose of absorbing our sin—taking upon Himself the consequences of our wrongdoing—so that we could be forgiven and restored.

At His second coming, He will eradicate sin forever and make all things right, ensuring that those who trust in Him are seen as pure and blameless before God. His righteousness in place of our sin will become the permanent order of things for all who place their faith in Him.

As you look ahead to the coming year, how will you let the hope of Jesus’ return shape your choices, relationships, and outlook each day? How will you allow Jesus’ to transform you into His likeness while we await this glorious day.

Prayer – Jesus, thank You for coming the first time to show us God's heart of love. Thank You for fulfilling God's plan to die in our place. Thank You will one day restore all things completely and we have the hope of standing before You, pure and blameless in Your everlasting Kingdom. Lead me to live my life in joyful surrender to You.