“Jesus Christ… who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” Rev. 1:5-6
Lord Jesus, in just a few days Advent will “deliver” Christmas—the day we celebrate Mary’s labor of love, and the inauguration of yours. Loudly we sing, “Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.” We praise, bless, and adore you.
As we ponder the manger this year, grant us a simultaneous sighting of your crib, cross, and crown. You weren’t just Mary’s firstborn child, but also the “firstborn from the dead.” Your death on the cross guarantees the death of death itself; and your resurrection guarantees ours. Hallelujah!
You have already “freed us from our sins.” We neither fear condemnation (Rom. 8:1, nor doubt our acceptance (Rom. 15:7)—for you are the one “who loves us.” You. Love. Us. You love us as much as the Father loves you—right now, full bore, no wavering or take-backs.
Jesus, you are already “the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Because your Kingdom has come in part, and is coming in fullness, may we live with much less fear, and way more hope, love, and engagement in your commitment to make all things new. With herald angels we hark, “Glory to the newborn (reigning, and returning) King!” So Very Amen!
