[My] labor pains for you ... will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives. (Galatians 4:19 NLT)

And so you’ve celebrated Christmas, the coming of Jesus to this world. And what a thing to celebrate! The entire pageant comes down to this: Jesus took on a genuine humanity.

And of course, this late in the Story, I hope it’s nearly impossible for you to celebrate Christmas without your heart turning toward his return. One day soon, Jesus will return to this earth, with his army, to make a final end of evil and to usher in the coming of a Golden Age. This is referred to as the “Second Coming.”

But what struck me this Christmas was this: the Second Coming is actually ... the Third Coming. Christ came to Bethlehem. And then he comes to dwell in you. The Second Coming is actually in you—right now.

Christ was first formed in Mary’s womb; now he’s being formed in you. It’s a truth unique to Christianity and no other religion. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 nasb). Jesus made his first invasion into Bethlehem. His second great act of indwelling happens when you open your heart to him.

Think of it—Jesus Christ is inside of you this very moment. The incarnation didn’t finish but continues ... in you.

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I receive it, Lord! I receive Jesus Christ into every part of my life and my being! Yes, Lord—come and be formed in me today!

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The Incarnation Continues