Revelation 1:9-20

While Revelation may not be the first book that comes to mind when you think of Christmas sermons, the verses we have read this morning are quite applicable to the Advent season. You see, Advent celebrates the coming of the light into the darkness, the arrival of the fulfillment of God’s promises, the revealing of God’s purposes that were glimpsed from afar. The divine glory that was hidden in this baby has now been revealed for all to see, and it is this glorious revelation that fills our vision as we read this passage. Furthermore, just as this vision came to John in a period of suffering, so God’s good news often comes to us when we need it the most. Perhaps this time of year brings to mind some personal sadness; perhaps you’re troubled by ongoing events in our world; perhaps you view yourself as living in the midst of a hostile society or family because of your faith. You have needs that only the Christ of Christmas can meet. And what we all need more than anything else is to see and hear the glorified Christ.