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Matthew 24:27 — “For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”

Jesus described His return as sudden, visible, and unmistakable. Just as lightning flashes across the sky, His coming will be clear to all. There will be no secret return, no hidden arrival. Gratitude grows when we realize that His coming will bring justice, clarity, and fulfillment.

The image of lightning conveys both power and speed. His coming will be swift, leaving no time for preparation. Gratitude leads us to live ready, not waiting to prepare at the last moment but watching faithfully each day.

Unlike His first coming in humility, His second coming will be in glory. The baby in the manger was overlooked by many, but the returning King will be impossible to ignore. Gratitude swells when we consider the contrast—He who came in weakness will return in power.

For pastors, this truth urges urgency in preaching. For believers, it cultivates readiness in living. Gratitude for His promised return moves us to holiness, knowing the day could be soon.

The suddenness of His coming is both a warning and a comfort. It warns the unprepared but comforts the watchful. Gratitude steadies our hearts, knowing we will not be caught unaware if we walk with Him daily.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us also anticipate His coming like lightning. Gratitude rejoices that the King who came in humility will return in glory.