My wife started a tradition a few years back that she calls Seiferts in a Box. It’s a lot of work, but we enjoy this family tradition. With the way the kids have been getting taller, I wonder if we will all fit in a single box next year.

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When Jesus came but did not break the yoke of Rome, many were profoundly disappointed. The first coming of Jesus did not match their expectations of the Messiah, who was envisioned as the warrior king who would overthrow Rome. They looked for the conquering lion of Judah, but Jesus came as the lamb led to slaughter. Jesus came not as the conquering king ushering in a glorious earthly reign but as the crucified king who suffered what seemed like a shameful, cursed death.

Yet, as Jesus explained many times before His crucifixion and further explained after His resurrection, the ancient prophesies foretold that the Messiah must suffer, die, and rise on the third day (Luke 24:6-8, 25-27, 44-48). Jesus was indeed the promised Son. He would fulfill the covenant promises of old. But He would do so in two phases and by way of two comings—a first Advent and a second Advent.
- John C. Peckham “God With Us” (affiliate link)

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Why Christmas Isn't the End of the Story

It's Christmas Eve, and we're celebrating the birth of the King... but the world still feels far from peaceful. Wars rage, suffering persists, injustice thrives. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, where's the peace?

My blog post, “The Two Advents of the Messiah Priest-King,” answers that burning question with biblical clarity.

First Coming: The Lamb He arrived humbly in a manger, lived as the suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), and died as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) to pay for our sins. His cross proved God’s perfect justice and love (Romans 3:25-26), defeating Satan’s accusations and offering forgiveness to all who believe.

Second Coming: The Lion He’s returning as the conquering King—the Lion of Judah—to crush evil, end suffering, and establish an eternal kingdom of perfect peace: "God will wipe away every tear... no more death, sorrow, or pain." (Revelation 21:4)

Many in Jesus’ day missed Him because they only expected the triumphant King, ignoring the prophecies of the suffering Lamb. Today, we risk the opposite: focusing only on the baby in the manger and forgetting He’s coming back as Judge and Ruler.

Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King—already interceding for us in heaven, soon to reign forever on earth.

This isn’t just theology. It’s hope. Christmas points to the cross, and the cross points to the crown.

Perfect read for Christmas Eve—short, deep, and faith-stirring. It’ll reignite your wonder at the manger and your longing for His return.

👉 Dive in here: The Messiah's Ultimate Purpose: The Two Stages of His Work

Which Advent are you most grateful for tonight—the Lamb who saved you, or the Lion who’s coming soon? Hit reply and tell me!

Merry Christmas! 🎄