Possible Evidence of the Second Coming of Christ

We are all familiar, vaguely or otherwise, of the Birth of Jesus Christ. This individual event is one of, if not the most highly celebrated of all holidays around the globe. An intensely humbling birth, so long ago in a manger, in the city of Bethlehem. Were you aware that he was born in the year 5 B.C.? There are a myriad of songs, books, plays. movies, documentaries, etc, etc about this momentous occasion. Many of us feel so warm and caring during the festive season, as we see this time of year as a time of giving, caring and bringing together our family and friends. What makes this particular time of year so very special? What makes the original birth of Christ so special?

One question remains however, what will be result of a second return? Are we currently living in the last days, before the return of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What are the signs preceding His return and how would we even begin to understand the signs of this prophetic occasion? Are we ready for such a return? Will His return mark the end of the Earth as we know it to be? What will happen to the continents, islands and inhabitants of the Earth? Will he come quietly, as a thief in the night, or in a Chariot upon the Clouds with Great Power and Great Glory? What will happen upon His return?

I will be probing these and many other questions, topics and beliefs, through a series of articles, which will be forthcoming. The Second or Last Coming, which tends to generate a great deal of debate, as to where and when this incredible event will occur, refers to the Christian as well as Islamic belief in the return of Jesus Christ to fulfill certain prophecies. Views about this eventual coming, tend to vary amongst the many global religions. Within this series of articles (drawing upon a variety of sources), I will detail a great many occurrences which have taken place (Everyone can agree that these events have happened, although, there is considerable debate as to whether they have had anything to do with the prophecies, leading us toward and into the second coming), incidents which have become known globally - through books, newspaper articles, magazines, as well as television and radio programs. Likewise, there will be topics which have become a daily broadcast, which affects our daily lives, as well as others of whom we may or may not know. Lastly, I will elucidate upon occurrences which have yet to be realized. Now, having said this, I do not gaze, entrancingly, into a crystal ball for a few snappy answers. Nearly anything you would need, is located in scripture.... "He who diligently seeks, shall find." (Matthew 7: 7-8; 3 Nephi 14: 7-8)

No single event which has transpired on Earth, since the very creation itself, is destined to have such a preeminent and recognizable affect on man, the earth and all created things as the impending return of the Son of Man will have.

The scriptures detail the events to attend two different appearances of the Lord among men. One appearance came in the meridian of time, when he descended below all things, ministered to those of this period and worked out the infinite and eternal atonement. The other, is promised for the last days when, having ascended above all things, will return in glory, to reign amongst his saints.

At his first coming, the Christ child was born of the virgin, Mary. He grew to maturity, while ministering among men. During his lifetime, he bore record of His Father, called the Twelve Apostles and ordained them, organized His church, was betrayed, crucified, died and then rose again from his tomb the third day. Christ appeared to His disciples as a tangible Being, having flesh and bones. He invited them to feel and handle his wounds, so that they would not think him to be a spirit only.

Finally, in the presence of His disciples, "while they beheld, He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward Heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, 'Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.' " (Acts 1: 9-11)

This Second Coming - a return of the same Being who had first ministered in humility, meekness and lowliness (Doctrine & Covenants 130: 1-2) - will return in great power and great glory with the hosts of Heaven attending. At that day "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." (Isaiah 40: 4) He will come, "not in the form of a woman, nor of a man traveling on the earth (Doctrine & Covenants 49: 22), but in his might, power and dominion to take vengeance on the ungodly and reward the righteous.

Before that day, however, certain signs and wonders are believed will take place, rendering an understanding which will give those who wait for certain signs, an approximate time of His return. It is true that no one knows the day, nor the hour of this return - "no, not the Angels of Heaven, but My Father Only" (Matthew 24: 36), as He, Himself expressed it - but those who treasure up His word will not be deceived as to the time of that glorious day, nor to the events to precede and to attend it. (Joseph Smith 1: 37). The righteous will be able to read the signs of the times (which I will be writing about in more depth soon enough). To those in darkness, he will come suddenly, unexpectedly, "as a thief in the night", but to "the children of light" who "are not of the night, nor of darkness", as Paul expressed it, that day will not overtake them "as a thief". They will recognize the signs as certainly as a woman in travail foreknows the approximate time of her child's birth. (1 Thessalonian 5: 1-6)

The subject of religion often brings copious amounts of debate. It is not my intention to initiate heated arguments, but only to provide some degree of information and welcome any and all input, should you feel as though you want and/or need to do so.