In the first advent, Jesus came to dwell in a world that He had made. In the second advent, the Risen Jesus will make all things new.
Meditate
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Those simple words hold the wonder of the first advent—God Himself, the Creator of all things, stepping into His own creation. The One who spoke galaxies into being came to live among the very people He formed from the dust. In Jesus, God revealed Himself more fully—full of grace and truth. The story of Christmas is the story of Emmanuel: God with us. But even as we celebrate His nearness, we recognize that His first coming was not the full restoration of what was lost in Eden. He came to dwell with us in our broken world, but not yet to make all things new. His birth, life, death, and resurrection were the beginning of a renewal that will only be complete when He comes again.
The apostle Paul writes that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth” (Romans 8:22), longing for the day when that renewal will be revealed. Revelation 21 paints that final picture: the second advent of Christ and the unveiling of a new heaven and a new earth. John sees the New Jerusalem coming down like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband—a city that is suffering-free, beautiful, joy-filled, and alive with the presence of God. No longer will there be crying, mourning, or pain, for “He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” What makes this moment so personal is that the hand that formed the world and once bore nails will touch our faces in compassion. The God who entered our sorrow will one day erase it forever.
This new creation will not just be a city—it will be a temple city, where the whole of creation becomes the dwelling place of God. Where once only a few could behold His glory in human form, now His glory will fill everything. The holy of holies will no longer be a hidden room in the temple—it will be the entire new creation. God’s presence will no longer be veiled or partial; it will be all-encompassing, intimate, and unending. The One who once walked in the garden with Adam and Eve will once again walk with His people in the garden city of eternity (Revelation 22). We will be home.
The first advent reminds us that God desires to dwell with His people. The second advent promises that He will dwell with us forever. Every manger scene points toward a throne; every candle of Advent flickers with the promise of everlasting light. As we wait, we join all creation in its longing—but we do so with hope, knowing that the same Word who became flesh will one day speak again, and at His word, everything broken will be made whole. The first advent shows us the heart of God to come near; the second will reveal the fullness of His plan—to make all things new.
Study
- John 1:14
- Revelation 21 & 22
- Romans 8:22
- Ezekiel 47:1
Pray
Emmanuel,
God with us—how wonderful those words are to our hearts. You, who created the heavens and the earth, chose to dwell among us. You entered our world, full of grace and truth, and showed us what the love of God looks like in flesh and blood. Thank You for coming near—for stepping into our darkness, our sorrow, and our humanity. Through Your first advent, You made the presence of God known in a way we could see, touch, and understand.
But Lord, we long for the day when You will dwell with us in fullness—when heaven and earth become one and Your glory fills all of creation. We look forward to that temple-city where every space is holy, every breath is worship, and Your presence is our light. We long to walk with You again in the garden, restored to perfect communion as it was in the beginning. No barriers, no distance—just life lived entirely in Your presence, surrounded by beauty, peace, and the river of life that flows from Your throne.
Until that day, teach us to live as those who carry Your presence within us. Help us to see glimpses of Your beauty in the midst of this broken world. Give us hope in our waiting and faith in our longing. Remind us that the story that began in a manger will end in a garden city where all things are made new.
Come, Lord Jesus—dwell with us again, not just for a season, but for eternity.
Amen.
Listen
- JOY! – Elevation
- The King is Coming – Red Rocks Worship
- Joy to the World – Third Day
- Forever and Ever Amen – Maverick City Music
- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – Meredith Andrews
- Revelation 19:1 – Maverick City Music