Holy, holy, holy . . .

20Dec
After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the spirit, and there in heaven stood a throne, with one seated on the throne! And the one seated there looks like jasper and carnelian, and around the throne is a rainbow that looks like an emerald. Around the throne are twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones are twenty-four elders, dressed in white robes, with golden crowns on their heads. Coming from the throne are flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and in front of the throne burn seven flaming torches, which are the seven spirits of God; and in front of the throne there is something like a sea of glass, like crystal.
Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’
- Revelation 4:1-8

When I was first asked about writing a devotion for this week, I said no way, I can’t possibly add another thing to my to do list…I haven’t even finished shopping yet; my children are already out of school! For the next few hours, I could not stop thinking about my quick reply…what am I thinking? I don’t have time to read God’s Word? Isn’t Jesus the Reason of the Season after all?  

In the reading from Revelations above, the vision is about what happens after this.  In it, four mythical creatures are standing around a throne, and “Day and night without ceasing they sing, ‘Holy. Holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty who was and is and is to come.’”  Advent is the period of prepping for the birth of Jesus.  It is easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas. Like finding the perfect gift for everyone and racing around to every holiday event and a voice in your head questioning how you will get it all done in time.  However, this is missing the true meaning of Christmas.  I am going to work on looking beyond my to-do list for this week.  I need to remember that we have all already been given the ultimate gift, our Savior Jesus Christ.  Without stopping, I want to sing of the Him who is to come.  

Musical Reflection - "Behold, I tell you a mystery...The trumpet shall sound", Philippe Sly

Holy Jesus, source of all Light, help us to keep our eyes on your coming as we prepare our celebrations with family and friends. Keep us mindful of the dark places and help us to usher in the return of your everlasting Light. Amen.
New Testament
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#todo #christmas

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