December 25th, 2021—Revelation 21

This week’s readings have been for the purpose of preparing for tomorrow’s sermon on the upcoming New Year. But today, of course, is Christmas Day. And Christmas and New Year’s go very much hand in hand, not only because of their proximity on the calendar but also because of their ultimate meaning. Jesus was born so that He could die. He entered the world in human form in order to be the sacrifice for our sins. Then, He died so that He could rise again. His resurrection enabled Him to ascend to heaven and open the way for those with faith in Him to receive unending life from Him. And He ascended so that He could return. That brings us to the greatest promise of all. God’s coming will culminate in the creation of a new earth in which all sorrow and suffering will be finally washed away. There, all those in Christ will experience infinite joy, escaping the presence of sin and the fear of death. Our words and deeds will do nothing but glorify the Lord, who will be with us forever. As Christmas reminds us of where this all began and as each New Year brings its closer, let us praise the One who has offered us a fresh start.