December 26

Revelation 4

John describes an astounding vision of the throne of God in heaven.

INSIGHT

At Christmas our thoughts are on Jesus’ birth, focusing on His humanity. By radical contrast, this Christmas Day we see the throne room of heaven and the surroundings which magnify His deity. In the center is a throne – behind which an emerald-colored rainbow arises. Dignitaries dressed in white robes and gold crowns are seated around the throne. The floor of the massive room is like crystal. Unusual looking creatures constantly give verbal praise to God and the dignitaries form a celestial choir, worshiping and praising God. This is the normal abode of God’s Son. Yet we usually think of Jesus as a child in Bethlehem, a teacher on a hillside, or the One who bore our sins alone on a cross. Revelation balances that picture with a glimpse of Jesus’ majesty and grandeur.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He was willing to become what we are – that we may inherit eternal salvation:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being….
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God…
The Lord shall reign forever –
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:1-2, 5, 10).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
“Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”…
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up…
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
“Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You” (Psalm 39:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Faithfulness in sharing Christ
• The Lord’s work in world and national affairs
• Your activities for the day

Close with this prayer to the Lord:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
(2 Corinthians 13:14)