Readings for today: Zechariah 6-7, Revelation 15, Psalms 143, Proverbs 30:24-28
It’s Christmas Eve. The most special and miraculous night of the year. I think of the millions who will gather around the globe this evening to sing praises to God for all He has done. To worship Christ the newborn King. To marvel at God’s presence in a manger. To tell the old, old story once again.
Why does this story refuse to die? Why does it not just fade into history like so many other stories? What is it about this particular baby that makes Him stand out from all others? As many have pointed out over the years, human history is full of myths and legends. Full of miracles and signs and wonders. Many different religions have come and gone over the centuries. Why has Christianity persisted? Why does it remain so compelling? Historians puzzle over the answer. The rise of the Christian faith is one of the most unlikely things that has ever occurred. There really is no good human explanation for how a rag-tag bunch of uneducated disciples were able to convert an empire within three centuries. No one really understands or can explain how a group of largely poor, powerless, marginalized, and persecuted people were able to spread the gospel so far and wide.
Perhaps it is true? Perhaps this baby we celebrate tonight truly is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Perhaps He is who He says He is. God incarnate in human flesh come to dwell among us. Come to be with us. Come to fight for us. This, of course, is the conclusion of literally billions of people on the earth today and throughout history. It is what keeps them coming back. It’s what keeps them preaching. Keeps them serving. Keeps them giving so much of themselves for the sake of the world.
I love the picture today from the Book of Revelation. The saints of God who have triumphed over death. Those who have persevered through the trials and tribulations of this life. Those who have endured suffering and persecution but have held fast to their faith in Christ. Together, they gather before the throne. Spread out over a sea of glass mingled with fire. And what are they doing? They’re singing. They’re worshipping. They’re praising God for all He has done. “And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." (Revelation 15:3-4)
Tonight you and I have the chance to sing the “song of the Lamb” once again. Sing the song of the Emmanuel. Wherever you gather this evening and whoever you gather with, I pray it is a special time of worship. May Christ fill your hearts with His presence and perfect love! Merry Christmas!
Readings for tomorrow: Zechariah 8, Revelation 16, Psalms 144, Proverbs 30:29-31