Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Revelation 5:11, “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.”
Background
I think I have mentioned this before, but this date carries an unusual combination of emotions for me. Six years ago, after having just wished my youngest child happy birthday as she awoke, I found my mom passed away in the guest bedroom of my home. From out of nowhere, joy and exuberance quickly turned to immense grief and sorrow. A celebration of life was forever woven with the pain of the loss of my dear mother. Even as we are on the threshold of celebrating Christmas, that does not protect any of us from the depth of emotions that may be completely opposite of those you’d expect to see that blessed morning. A giant in the faith and proclaimer and defender of truth for sixty years passed away last week, a sweet, elderly friend from our church went home to the Lord just two days ago, and so many of us will celebrate the birth of Jesus without the presence of someone who used to be here with us. Death is a part of life, just as pain is a part of pleasure. But even as I wonder what the past six earth years since her death have been like for my mom up in heaven, I know that she is enjoying her eternal life singing a new song, with a voice that is more beautiful than all the sonnets of Shakespeare. And my focus now must be on ensuring that her granddaughter, that all of her grandchildren, will one day forever join her in the heavenly celebration of the eternal King.
Application
Christmas means joy and peace and hope, and it brings presents and candlelight and decorations. But mostly it’s God shouting from heaven that He wants us to be with Him. And if He is with you right now, alive in your heart, then you have something to celebrate, and something to share. Share it with your eyes in how they gleam. Share it with your lips through words of affirmation. Share it with your time as you experience eternity on this side of heaven. “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Charge
As we seek Him today, remember that Jesus was born to die, for your sins and mine, and that is the greatest gift we shall ever receive.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
