Sermon Summary: Advent and Jesus' Second Coming
Seven truths about Christ's Second Coming every Christian should know
This sermon was given by Bishop Thad Barnum at Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Cornelius, North Carolina, on Dec. 1, 2024.
Sunday marked the first day of Advent. For many Americans — armed with their Advent calendars — it’s seen as a 24-day countdown to Christmas. But Advent is so much more.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “to come.” In the Christian story, it points to the coming of Christ — first as a baby in a manger more than 2,000 years ago.
For me, Advent has a depth that I find even more meaningful than Christmas itself. It’s a season of preparation — four weeks to pause, reflect and marvel at what it meant, what it means, and what it will mean that Jesus left heaven to dwell among us. And not only to live with us but to give his life for us.
This Sunday, Bishop Thad reminded us that Advent isn’t just about looking back at Christ’s first coming. It’s also about looking forward to his Second Coming in glory.
Thad focused on this future hope, encouraging us to prepare our hearts and minds for that day.
He made this analogy: Just as we browse the menu online before visiting a new restaurant, understanding how Christ’s return will work can calm our anxieties about what’s to come.
Advent invites us into that kind of preparation — one that transforms waiting into hope.
Thad told us that the Second Coming is:
Historic
Literal
Personal
Sudden
Universal
Glorious
Eternal
Let’s do quick hits on these seven bullet points:
Historic – Christ's Second Coming will mark a definitive moment in history, fulfilling prophecies and inaugurating the final chapter of God's plan for creation. Thad sent us to Acts 17:30-31: “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” God “has fixed a day.” It’s going to be a real day in history, just like Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem.
Literal — It will be a real, physical return of Jesus, as promised in Scripture, not merely symbolic or figurative.
Personal — Jesus will come as the same person who ascended to heaven, and His return will deeply impact every individual. EVERYONE has an appointment with Jesus, whether you’re a believer or not.
Sudden — It will happen unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, catching many off guard. Thad pointed us to Luke 12:35-40, which ends like this: “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Universal — The event will be visible and known to all people, across every nation and corner of the world. It’s not going to be a secret. His Second Coming is not going to be seen only by a handful of people. All will see it at the same time.
Glorious — Christ’s return will be marked by divine splendor, power and majesty, reflecting His authority as King of Kings.
Eternal — His coming will usher in the eternal reign of His kingdom, establishing unending peace and justice. Everything in this life is temporary. Each of our mortal lives has an end date. But Christ’s kingdom is forever — eternal.
Christians are often mocked for our belief in the Second Coming of Jesus. Skeptics point to Revelation 22:7 (and other places in the Bible), where Jesus promises, “I am coming soon.” They scoff: “It’s been 2,000 years — where is He? Why hasn’t He returned yet?”
But they don’t understand God’s character. His delay isn’t a sign of absence or indifference; it’s a sign of love.
God is patient, not rushing to bring judgment, because He longs for every person to turn to Him and be saved. His waiting isn’t weakness — it’s mercy.
What seems like a delay to us is actually an opportunity for grace. Every day He waits is another chance for someone to come home to Him.
Here’s what 2 Peter 3:9 says:
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
And God uses his church to be ambassadors to the unsaved. As Jesus said in what we call The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20:
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
So, Christian, what can you do today to help prepare your neighbor for Christ’s Second Coming?
Thank you. You continue to add depth that I can grasp in a
nourishing manner and I like sharing with friends. Bless you.