If you enjoy Christmas, the story hasn’t ended. Today’s chapter gives us a glimpse into the differences between the first and second Christmases…
READ REVELATION 1 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
You don’t have to look far to find out about the first Christmas. Even in countries who don’t celebrate it, there’s always the Internet, TV movies and modern songs that talk about Christmas. It’s a well-known event that comes around every year and, the 25th day of the twelfth month is the chosen date to remember it.
Unlike the first Christmas, however (when Jesus came as a baby, surround by animals in a stable and being visited by shepherds and wise men), John’s “revelation” – a vision seen in the 1st Century AD – is strikingly different. So, as I enjoy Christmas for what it is today, I need to put it into the context of the “Second Christmas” – when Jesus will return as He really is now. What stood out for me in today’s chapter was that, even though John had a close relationship with Jesus, his natural response when he saw the risen Jesus[a] on that extraordinary day on the island of Patmos, was to “fall down as though dead”. [v17]
Read More? … CLICK to follow “22 December – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to connect with the One who made you in His own image? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help.[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
I praise You, my Creator, along with every creature in heaven and earth and under the earth; on the sea and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise, honour, glory and power, for ever and ever!” [Revelation 5:13]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: The people of Yemen[c]
Your Country’s response to the needs of South America
Yourself: Strength for Obedience
Your concerns for today
I pray now, Father God, that You hear my prayers and petitions. For Your own sake, Lord, look with favour on Your desolate Name-place. [Daniel 9:17]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Again and again You sent all Your prophets to us, Lord. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions. Don’t follow other gods to serve them. Then you’ll live in the land that God has given to you.” But we’ve not paid attention or listened to You. [Jeremiah 35:15]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Thank-you Lord that, in You alone are deliverance and strength. All who have raged against You will come to You and be put to shame. [Isaiah 45:24]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[d] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict
“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” [Ephesians 6:18]
[a] Daniel 7:13-14
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/yeme/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31