royal david's city, Bethlehem

That title will get your attention, especially at Christmas!  Bethlehem was the "city of David" and Matthew certainly makes the point that Jesus was in the line of David (Matthew 1). Cecil Alexander was a prolific hymn writer that lived in Ireland in the 19th century.  Her and her husband, the Anglican bishop of Ireland, spent their lives ministering to people from every strata of society.  It's her hymn title.  "Once in Royal David's City".  Here is the link to the text of the hymn.  It's the last 2 verses that I want to highlight on this high day before Christmas.  

Verse 4 says: 

4 And our eyes at last shall see him,
thro' his own redeeming love;
for that child so dear and gentle
is our Lord in heav'n above:
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.

WOW..He came the first time, He is coming the SECOND TIME!

Verse 5 says:

5 Not in that poor lowly stable,
with the oxen standing by,
we shall see him, but in heaven,
set at God's right hand on high;
when like stars his children crowned
all in white shall wait around.

Glory!  The historical advent of His first coming is the insurance of our eternal hope in His second.  Praise God! 
hymnary.org