“I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne… From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. In front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
“In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back… Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:
‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!‘
“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
‘You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.’” Revelation 4:2-3,5-6,8-11
John’s vision of the risen and glorified Jesus draws a hush of heart and a shout of soul. Seated in splendor, magnificently glorious, His very presence compels unceasing song and praise and honor and thanksgiving. All who behold Him fall down in whole and humble worship, hands open to offer every bit of talent, worth, goods, accolades, reward, expression. All is from Him, all is due this high and holy One who reigns in loveliness forever.
As we greet Christmas morning and approach the newborn King, what is our posture of body, mind, spirit? Would we bow in hushed adoration at His humble gift? Will we ponder His exquisite perfection and beautiful excellencies? Will we present Him full gratitude for every present given and received? He is worthy! (Zechariah 9:9)
“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” ~John Francis Wade (1711-1786)
Alleluia and amen, newborn and exalted King!
As the rain and snow 