Because of Christmas

“‘Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered…’

“Between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain… When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

‘Worthy are you..,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.’

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:5-14

The Lion cub was born, the grown Lion conquered. The Root of David sprang up, the Root of David flourished as Victor. The Lamb was born on earth, was slain, and stands in heaven in regal power. What was promised has come to pass, and God’s people are the eternal beneficiaries.

Because of Jesus, the Mediator between God and man who rent the veil, we can pray. Because of Jesus, who conquered sin and death and their sting, we can sing a new song. Because of Jesus, risen and glorified, we can worship. Because of Jesus, our Advocate and Defender, we have living hope. Because of Jesus, who broke every barrier between man and men, we can join with myriads from every tribe and tongue and nation in fellowship and oneness in the Spirit. Allelujah! (Matthew 27:51; John 14:6; Romans 8:31-34; 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Colossians 3:11; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:19-22)

Christmas changed everything. What will it change in us? What will we do with open access to the God of the universe? What shame or regret will we renounce? What brooding depression or niggling fear can be swallowed in triumphant hope? What prejudices, divisions, and barriers in relationships do we intend to conquer in Christ? With what fresh praise will we honor the Worthy One?

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, keep me alive in the vibrant hope and victory of Christmas.