The presence of Christ with his people is their glory and joy. He is ever with them to watch over them, protect, and preserve them. But he sometimes manifests himself to them, filling them with joy and peace.
Once he came in power, to ransom them from hell, this was the theme of the Old Testament. Soon he will come again to redeem them from death, this is the object of hope presented in the New Testament.
The advent of the Son of God to our world, is the greatest event that can take place in it. He once came as a servant to fulfill, obey, and suffer; he will come a second time, as a sovereign to collect, reward, and govern.
His humiliation, laid the foundation of his glorification; his first coming, was introductory to his second.
[James Smith]
