Revelation at Christmas

“Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both great and small!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!” Revelation 19:5-8 NIV

I’ll admit that rarely do I study or even read the book of Revelation. However, in October I started a program of trying to read the New Testament by Christmas, and today I finished. Thus I read Revelation.

When you read this book in large chunks, it has a whole different affect than when you read it chapter by chapter or verse by verse. I was struck with the majesty and vastness of time and space. All of these beings and events, including the many-eyed beings, the huge, bright angels, the beast and dragon, all truly exist even though they are beyond our time and space. What an amazing, thought-provoking concept. While on this earth I doubt I will ever understand all that Revelation holds, but there are a few thoughts that I can understand.

First, God is powerful. Jesus is the glorious Lamb. God will win. Second, my life on earth matters. What I do and believe counts. My actions and attitudes have eternal consequences. I want to be part of those surrounding God’s throne, praising him. I want my name to be written in the Book of Life. The consequences if my name is not there terrifies me.

If you know me, you know that I tend to be an optimistic person who shies away from doom and gloom, preferring to focus on opportunity and good. I almost always see the glass as ½ full. However, there are times when we must focus on the reality of the future, and that reality may not be roses and opportunity. Are we ready for that? Do we take that future reality seriously?

This is the season of Christmas, a time when we celebrate the human birth of our Savior, Jesus. This morning as I read of Jesus’ power and authority in heaven, I stopped and thought. Do I truly believe that Jesus was born on earth, that he lived a sinless life, and that he paid for my sins by dying on the cross and rising again? If persecution comes, if I am faced with the possibility of death or being outcast because of my belief, would I stand? And, what am I doing now to prepare myself for that possibility? Am I taking advantage of all opportunity to grow stronger in my faith? If I take my faith lightly now when I have so much freedom and opportunity to grow, then how can I stay strong when it gets tough?

And so, as I pass the crèche in my home, as I sing the Christmas songs, I will be pondering whether I truly believe this is true, and if so, am I living as if it is true. Whew. I think I’ll go make myself a cup of tea – ½ full.