W. A. Criswell, a Southern Baptist pastor, expositor and writer wrote a “volume” on the book of Revelation. You’ll likely hear him quoted a few times over the next year as we journey through the “sixty-sixth book.” He referred to the incarnation of Jesus as the Advent of Veiled Deity and the return of Jesus as the Advent of Unveiled Deity. It’s tough to improve upon that distinction! Jesus was fully God and fully man when He came the first time and He will be fully God and fully man when He returns. The only difference is that the first time it was as the Christmas Hymn says so well, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity.” When He returns, the veil will be lifted, and we will see Him in all His glory and splendor. Revelation chapter one gives us a preview of His present state, the One who is and was and is to come. His intent in giving the church this preview is found in His words to John, “Fear not.” The churches of John’s day were being persecuted and they needed the encouragement that the knowledge of the exalted Christ should bring. We’ve been waiting a while for His return, but we need to remember His words and worship the Living One who died but is alive forevermore.