One of the greatest parts of Christmas is the revealing of a gift to a child. Anticipation builds throughout the season as a young boy sees his gifts under the tree just waiting for him to tear into the wrapping paper and find out what’s inside. A young girl’s eyes widen as she sees her long-awaited toy. At times, one of my daughters will open a present with joy, and her tender heart will begin leaking from her eyes. My wife and kids think that I don’t like my presents because I’m reserved in my expression and more even keeled, but I enjoy the big reveal as much as them, well, maybe not as much as my youngest. Now let your thoughts travel across the world. Imagine the anticipation which a child has in a third world country as she is waiting to receive her Operation Christmas Child shoebox filled with toys and essentials. At Christmas, we relish the revelations, but truly the greatest part of Christmas is the meaning of it—the revelation of God to the world in the person of Jesus. However, let’s not merely focus on God as the Babe in Bethlehem. We must reinforce to our children and ourselves that He is also the Humble Healer from Nazareth, the Sinless Savior on Calvary, the Death Destroyer in the Garden, and the Returning Redeemer from Heaven.
In John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ, we get a glimpse of the Conquering King. God began the big reveal to mankind when Jesus came to the earth to live within Mary’s womb and be birthed on that bright-starred night. However, Jesus’ second coming will be completely unveiled and revealed to the world. “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen” (Revelation 1:7 CSB). Are you longing for His return—His revelation? Are you prepared to meet Him?
This week you’ll read…
Job 13-21: “If only you would shut up and let that be your wisdom!” (Job 13 CSB)
Ecclesiastes 9-12: “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12 CSB).
Revelation 1-5: “And they sang a new song: You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God by Your blood from every tribe and language
and people and nation. You made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5 CSB).
- December 8 (Sun):
- December 9 (Mon):
- December 10 (Tues):
- December 11 (Wed):
- December 12 (Thurs):
- December 13 (Fri):
- December 14 (Sat):
CSB are daily readings linked to The Christian Standard Bible on BibleGateway.com.
MSG are daily readings linked to The Message Bible on BibleGateway.com.
NLT are daily readings linked to The New Living Translation on BibleGateway.com.
Thoughts on Life and Jesus 