The Watchful Heart: Anticipation and Readiness in the Second Coming

The question lingers, doesn't it? “I wonder when he comes again?” It’s a question that’s crossed the lips of believers throughout scripture, from the prophets of old to the faithful of our modern day. The hymn, “When He Comes Again,” doesn’t offer an answer – and perhaps that’s the point. Our focus shouldn’t be on calculating the precise moment of the Second Coming, but on cultivating the disposition of a watchful heart, a heart prepared to receive the Savior’s embrace. The Brethren have consistently cautioned against speculative timelines, reminding us that the day and hour are known only to the Father (Matthew 24:36). This isn't meant to discourage anticipation, but to redirect our energy towards righteous living.

The lyrics beautifully capture this tension. Will it be a season of snow or springtime? Will a single star dominate the heavens? These are fascinating details, but ultimately peripheral to the core message: Are *we* ready?

The image of the Savior gathering “his little ones together around his knees” is particularly poignant. It echoes the Savior’s own teachings, His constant invitation: “Suffer them to come unto me” (Matthew 19:14). This isn't about physical stature or age, but about a childlike humility, a willingness to surrender to His will. The preparation isn’t found in elaborate rituals or complex theological debates, but in the simple act of turning our hearts towards Him daily. D&C 64:48 speaks of receiving a remission of sins “by obedience to the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and walking in the paths of the prophets, even until you are perfected in Christ.” Perfection, of course, isn’t a destination but a lifelong journey.

Consider the metaphor of the iron rod. Elder Maxwell frequently emphasized that the rod isn’t merely a means of *getting* to the tree of life, but of maintaining connection. It’s a constant reminder of our dependence on the Lord and His guidance. The hymns we sing, the scriptures we study, the covenants we keep – these are all manifestations of that iron rod, sustaining us in these latter days. Do we cling to it steadfastly, or do we allow distractions to pull us away?

The Light Within

The singer expresses a desire to let “my light so shine that others seeing me may seek for greater light divine.” This is a profound statement about the responsibility we have as Latter-day Saints. We are not merely to prepare ourselves, but to be instruments in bringing others to Christ. How often do we examine our own lives, seeking opportunities to reflect His light into the world?

A Covenant People

The promise at the end of the hymn – “he’ll love me and he’ll say, 'You've served me well, my little child. Come unto my arms to stay'” – is the ultimate reward for a life lived in faithful service. It's a promise rooted in covenant keeping, a promise that sustains us through trials and inspires us to persevere. This isn't a guarantee of ease, but a promise of eternal embrace, of reunion with our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

Let us, therefore, renew our commitment to daily scripture study, diligent prayer, and faithful obedience to the covenants we have made. Let us strive to be watchful, not for the sake of knowing the day and hour, but for the sake of being ready to welcome the Lord when He comes again.