An Unconventional Christmas Eve Message
December 24, 2024
On December 31, 2020, I finished my bible reading plan in Revelation. This passage piqued my interest, perhaps because our daughter got married last month.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (Revelation 21:1-2)
A bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
I watched our daughter prepare to be beautifully dressed for her husband. I watched her select the perfect white dress and then painstakingly select the accessories and determine her hair style. I watched her prepare her gorgeous face. Nothing was neglected, not brows, eyelashes, makeup or teeth.
And then there was this moment in time.
She appeared at the end of the aisle. We all stood, then her daddy escorted her to her groom as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (I am weeping.)
This moment is in the future for each of us.
All children of God —
will live this moment in history when we as the church will be presented to Jesus as His bride. Scripture tells us Jesus died “so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)
We can be preparing.
I revealed last week HERE that I did not make resolutions this year, but I also noted that we cannot live a life that glorifies God without intention. Our works do not secure our salvation; Jesus does that. But just like my daughter prepared herself for the big day, we can do the same and be found faithful, having lived this life well for Him.
How are we going to live 2021?
We don’t know what the year will bring, but we can decide ahead of time that we are going to abide [remain, stay] in Jesus so He abides in us (John 15:4). Because we have a natural bend to do life without God, we will drift away if we don’t live on purpose.
What’s it going to be?
This decision is very personal between you and God. Don’t copy someone else. What is He nudging in your heart? Last year God and I worked on my generosity. Decisions can also be made about Bible study, prayer, relationships and habits. These aren’t resolutions. These are next steps to make sure we are living by faith and God remains our most intimate relationship. I often say I hope He finds me leading a small group Bible study with arthritic hands turning Bible pages with anyone who wants to gather with me at the assisted-living facility. I don’t know the future but I want to be found faithful to the end, struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:28-29)
Passion Conference 2021
Some of you know about the Passion Conferences that take place each New Year’s weekend. This year’s conference was global and entirely online. Not only that, it was free. If you wish to watch the entire conference (7 hours total, session 1 and 2) or select speakers, sign up HERE for free and enjoy the talks through January 31, 2021.
Let’s never stop preparing to be a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Picture Explanation: Her bridal moment here on earth, and she will have it again with Jesus in the future. We will be with her!
© 2021 by Oaks Ministries. All rights reserved.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes growth.
1 Corinthians 3:6
4 Responses
This was a beautiful post, Laurie. I read Revelation 21 and 22 this week and found it very encouraging. Thank you for the reminder that we need to make ourselves ready. We need to take great care in preparing to meet our groom. To think that sometimes, many times, I don’t “sweat” as much about being prepared to meet Jesus as I do about preparing a feast for a family gathering or an important meeting or getting organized so I have time to watch a show on TV later in the day!
What a great image of preparing to meet our Savior with the same care (no–much greater care) than we would take to prepare for a wedding! Thank you!
Ah, I too have been convicted of preparing more for other things than preparing for meeting Him. Watching the bride prepare was good for me. Glad you enjoyed the post too.
“If you enjoy in Christ the glorious hereafter, you must be glorious in his sight now.”
– Charles Spurgeon.
We are reminded.
Live for Jesus.
Every moment.
Of every day.
And do it with JOY!
Oh Lord Jesus. Remind us to be ready to be taken up to spend eternity with You. To be joyful in our lives here on earth. And to look forward to a joy unspeakable in the hereafter! 🎼Joy to the world! The Lord has come. Let earth receive her King! 🎺
Amen, and amen!