Hymns With A Message: JESUS IS COMING AGAIN

Sunday, June 2, 2013

JESUS IS COMING AGAIN

John Peterson (1921-2006) was a prolific songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s. He is said to have written over 1,000 songs and 35 cantatas. Born in Kansas, he served as an Army Air Force pilot flying the China Hump during World War II. He later attended Moody Bible Institute and then served on the radio staff there for several years. A hymnal which he edited, "Great Hymns of the Faith" became one of the most widely used hymnals in evangelical churches for years. Many of us grew up using this hymnal and singing his songs. But of all the hymns and cantatas which he wrote, one of the most popular has been "Jesus Is Coming Again". For years it has been sung by many to express their assurance and hope that a better day is coming. It will be a day when all of our trials and troubles will be past. It will be a day of rejoicing when we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. As the hymn says, we don't know when this will happen. It might be at morning, or at noon, or in the evening. But what we know is that it will happen and it will be soon. And this is the marvelous message and hope of the Gospel - Jesus is coming again! May that joy and hope encourage you and thrill your soul as you continue your journey here this week, looking for and expecting that glorious return of Jesus. Keep looking up!

1. Marvelous message we bring,

Glorious carol we sing,

Wonderful word of the King,

Jesus is coming again!

Coming again, Coming again,

May be morning, may be noon,

May be evening and may be soon!

Coming again, Coming again;

O what a wonderful day it will be -

Jesus is coming again!

2. Forest and flower exclaim,

Mountain and meadow the same,