Here are two Associated Press stories about a poll of American expectations for the new year. One headline reads: “AP poll: Americans optimistic for 2007.” But the other says, “Poll: Americans see gloom, doom in 2007.”

These articles are reporting on the same AOL-AP poll, looking at the same data. But the two writers decided to report on different questions in the poll to fit their opposing narratives. On balance, it really means that our countrymen expect some good things to happen in 2007, and some bad things as well. You know, kinda like every other year. Yawn.

But this nugget, in the “gloom” article, caught my eye:

One in four, 25 percent, anticipates the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Can that be right? Do 25 percent of Americans really believe that Christ is coming in 2007? I mean, as a Christian, I believe that He is coming, and we should be prepared always, because it will be as a thief in the night, and we know not the day nor the hour, and all that. He is coming in glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. (Interesting that the AP would cite this event as a ‘gloomy’ prediction, right under “the military draft will be reinstated.” Where are their priorities, anyway?)

But I am unaware of any particular reason to think this will all happen in the next twelve months. If you are one of the purported 25 percent who expects the Second Coming in 2007, please feel free to explain why, in the comments.