“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

When it comes to Christmas, what kind of picture is coming to your mind? We often hear words about meekness, mildness, silence, peace. We hear about a baby in the manger, cuddling and swaddling cloths and all these words that may bring feelings of warmth. Yet for so many, this Christmas is going to be very different. I think of those who have lost loved ones for whom this Christmas is going to be very different.

They’re going to have another level of ache and grief attached to their journey. I think about all those who have gone through natural crisis and disaster, for whom Christmas is going to be very, very different this year. And we think about also those who have gone through a diagnosis where, once again, they’re hurting and wondering what is ahead.

What does a meek and mild Christmas look like for them? Well, there is another side of Christmas that I want to invite you to think about today. And that is the power and the glory in that strength that happens at Christmas. Where the Kingdom of heaven collides with the kingdom of earth. It’s where good looks at evil and says, “This is not done yet.”

It’s where there is an actual answer to the problems of this world—and that’s in that manger. That baby is the King of Kings. When we go to the end of the book, we go to Revelation 11 and listen to the power of Christmas. Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”

Christmas is where it starts with the colliding of the Kingdom of heaven, entering into the kingdom of this world. And as we look forward, one day we will see it in full. So, stand and sing this truth—that He shall reign forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You that You sent your Son Jesus to enter into this world.

You brought the light of heaven, the strength and the power, and the glory of heaven into this fallen, broken, and dark, and sometimes, cold world. And we thank You for that gift of Christmas in Your Son Jesus. Remind us that there is a strength that is brought to us in this Christmas, and give us confidence as we face the journey that You have us on.

Reminded that Your Kingdom, Your glory, will last forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.