Daily
Revelation 1:1-3 (NIV)
1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed in the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Luke 2:4-7 (NIV)
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of
Good morning!
What is a revelation? The dictionary defines the word as an act of revealing or disclosing; something revealed, especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized. In theology, it is said that a revelation is a manifestation of divine will or truth. Revelations can occur in the most unexpected moments. All of us struggle to answer the greater questions of life. Why am I here? What is my greater purpose? Is there a master plan, and if so, how do I fit into it? Who is the master creator? Does He love me?
Revelations come through simple life experience. Something extraordinary happens and suddenly, you realize there is more to learn, see and experience. Truth is often experienced in our hopes and dreams. We begin to ponder matters of faith, and in our pondering, we seek His truth. The answer may be right in front of us, but for many, it takes a lifetime of seeking to find it. Revelation happens just when we least expect it.
The greatest revelation we will ever know is the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s only Son. Thousands of years ago, people of faith were anticipating the arrival of their King. It had been foretold there would be One who would one day come to save the world; yet who could have imagined God sending a tiny little baby? We remember the birth of our infant King, especially today, in a strange and foreign land, with no place sleep, except inside a cold, dark stable. God’s greatest gift was revealed to the shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks that night. Wise men followed a star for years, looking for the king that had come. While many slept peacefully in their beds, the miracle of all miracles occurred, and only a handful of people knew! Revelations are like that – they are never mere coincidence. Just when we least suspect it, God reveals Himself to the world. It is a holy mystery.
Have you experienced the revelation of God the Father in Jesus Christ?
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was given a vision of a time when His Lord would return to earth once more to claim His redeemed. John received a message of great hope, and even though his words are confusing, we begin to see God’s greater plan unfolding in the world to come.
This Christmas, I pray that you will receive a special revelation of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Today, we celebrate the infant’s love, and the joy of knowing He is with us forever, our Emmanuel. May you be surprised at the wonder of sweet Salvation. Jesus came for you and for me. Open your heart to the Lord today, and let Him reveal His love in a brand new way.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
Pray for: Revelation! God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is born to save the world from sin. Come and worship the newborn King! I’ll see you tonight as we light the candles of hope around the world.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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