the Christmas season is not always joyful and happy. In fact, it can be filled with anguish, sadness, tears and pain. I understand this intimately. Since June 30, 2021, my family’s holidays have been marked by tears and sadness. That day, our 20-year-old daughter died in a tragic car accident while we were traveling home together from the holidays. In a matter of seconds, our firstborn was taken from us.
Death is our enemy. I hate death; I’m tired of tears. And yet, if that day in June is my greatest day of sadness, then Revelation 21 is my greatest source of hope and comfort. It can be yours too.
In these words we find the assurance of the eternal victory that Jesus has secured for his people. The loving Shepherd will wipe away our tears and eradicate sin, death and the devil forever. That is our future reward and the destiny of all those who are people of faith.
The reach of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not limited to the salvation of our souls. It includes the restoration and redemption of all that was lost with the fall of man in Genesis 3. This restoration will involve a new heaven, a new Jerusalem, and perfect bodies resurrected to inhabit a glorious new earth. We eagerly await a transformation of the entire universe.
The vision of what is to come, captured in Revelation 21, will be new in quality and superior in character than what we have now. Just as the text predicts the demise of this present earth, it immediately speaks of the beginning of a magnificent new beginning. This new earth is the place where the kingdom of Christ will be revealed in its fullness, where God himself will reign as the only King over all, dwelling in peace and power with his people.
This is the essence of salvation: an intimate and personal relationship with God Himself, endless and forever. There will be no need for political parties or opposing denominational factions, as we will all be united to worship Him, serve Him, govern with Him, and administer with Him. There will be no more death. There will be purposeful work to do, family and friends to enjoy without fear of separation, and an eternity of learning and discovery. It will be a continuing fulfillment of our deepest desire for union with God and with others.
The hope of that great day helps me persevere today, even when the tragedy within our family and the sadness of the holidays are overwhelming. Our Lord came that first Christmas with great humility, but he will return again in absolute victory. The powerful vision given to the apostle John in the Book of Revelation ends with the Lord saying, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” To which John responds, along with every grieving heart: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Craig Smith is the senior pastor of the Vail Church.
This article is part of The Eternal King arrives, a 4-week devotional to help individuals, small groups, and families navigate the 2023 Advent season . Find out more about this special issue that can be used in Advent or any time of year at http://orderct.com/adviento.
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