Today’s Reading: Revelation 1
Advent is here. This is the time of year that we celebrate the anticipation of the coming Christ. This is the time that we start to sing Christmas carols. The kitchens are a buzz with warm cookies and treats to share and gift to our loved ones. We might start decorating our houses for guest and family to share in the holiday. And in the midst of the preparation have we allowed our spirit to settle and prepare for Christ?
John gives us a beautiful salutation to the season:
Revelation 1: 4-5
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
In the Life Application Study Bible, the commentary is as follows “ The book of Revelation unveils Christ full identity and God’s plan for the end of the world, and it focuses on Jesus Christ, his second coming, his victory over evil, and the establishment of his kingdom.” This echoes the fulfillment of the prophets Isaiah and the gospels of the apostles.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,
and his name shall be called[e]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
As we begin our journey through this Advent season let us mediate and reflect on the Grace and Peace that Christ give us daily and allow the love of Christ to more evident in our daily lives especially in this season.