Advent is a season of preparation. We usually prepare our hearts for Christmas with visions of the Nativity scene. We get warm and fuzzy feelings because our God became like us to save us and fulfill his plan of salvation. But the vision of Jesus’ second coming evokes emotions of awe, wonder, and maybe even fear.
Instead of a quaint feeding trough, Revelation 19 depicts a fantastic wedding feast, a grand reception that ushers in the groom who has come to collect his bride. A far cry from the infant in the manger, Jesus arrives on a white horse with eyes like flames of fire and the armies of heaven following him. From birth in a barn to leading angel armies into war—talk about a glow-up of an entrance!
So this Christmas, how do we hold the tension of a humble baby and a powerful ruler? Revelation 19 reminds us of the true nature of Jesus even as we celebrate his first coming. He was fully God and fully man in the manager, as the plan of salvation began to unfold.
He is the Son of David, whose kingdom God promised to establish forever (2 Samuel 7:13). He was and is Lord of all heaven and earth, the ruler coming out of Bethlehem, the city of kings, foretold when Micah wrote, “But you, O Bethlehem … from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).
In his return, we see Jesus, the Son of God and Son of David, arrayed in the splendor of his eternal majesty, one whose reign will have no end.
Knowing this, then, should give us a deeper understanding of the Nativity scene and the awe demonstrated by the host of angels that were praising, saying, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). And our response should be the same: worship. We are even given instructions from the throne to “praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great” (Revelation 19:5). As disciples of Christ, let us answer the call to be worshipers of our God the Almighty, who reigns forever.
Respond
How are you viewing Jesus in this season of Advent? How are you preparing your heart for his return? Who can you help to worship God today? Listen to the song “Revelation 19:1” by Mav City Gospel Choir, and exult him as the almighty ruler who has come and will come again.