The Glorious Welcome

Protocol for visits to the United States by a head of state from another country are strictly followed. The high expressions of friendly relations during these visits are characterized by an emphasis on official public ceremonies. Depending on the rank of the visitor, the customary length of stay ranges from three to four days.

The first activity in welcoming heads of state is the flight line ceremony. Visitors typically arrive by aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, where a ground crew moves stairs into position and a red carpet is unrolled. A military cordon flanks both sides of the red carpet and a welcoming committee stands ready to greet the visitors. As the arrivals walk down the stairs, the U.S. Air Force Band performs Arrival Fanfare Number One. At the bottom of the stairs stands an American schoolchild holding a bouquet of flowers to greet them.

Only a select few can be part of a U.S. welcoming party, but when Christ returns, every believer who has ever lived—regardless of age, gender, education, economic status, or race—will joyfully participate in the coming of the King of kings. At the sound of the trumpet, “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). These resurrected children of God are united with their loved ones and sing, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).

After the dead in Christ rise from their graves with new bodies, the living believers are changed and also receive immortal bodies. “This corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53). Both groups of believers together turn to greet their loving Savior. “We who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

May each of us strive to be part of this welcoming committee!

Apply It:

Have you ever had the privilege of greeting an official dignitary?

Dig Deeper:

Isaiah 25:9; Matthew 25:32–34; Mark 13:27

Key Bible Texts

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13 KJV)