“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
REVELATION 5:12 NIV
In the Book of Revelation, the apostle John gives us a peek at the thousands and thousands of angels surrounding the throne of God and praising the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the Lamb who was slain for the sins of mankind. Picture in your mind this amazing sight.
Now imagine that Christmas night, eighty to ninety-five years before John witnessed his vision in heaven. The dark sky is filled with a myriad of twinkling stars, and shepherds quietly tend their sheep. Suddenly an angel appears and announces the Savior’s birth. As the frightened shepherds ponder this good news, the sky explodes with a multitude of angels singing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
After the angels return to heaven, the shepherds quickly go to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. They find the baby swaddled in a manger with Mary and Joseph nearby. Imagine what it would be like to have just heard a sky full of angels praising God, and then soon after to look into the face of the long-awaited promised Messiah. What would you do? Luke records that the shepherds returned to their flocks “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20). Even as a tiny baby, Jesus was worthy of honor and praise for He is God come in the flesh to rescue and redeem mankind.
As you anticipate Christmas shared with family and friends, there will be words of thanksgiving expressed at the opening of each gift. Smiles and laughter will fill the room as colorful wrapping paper is removed from each package. In the midst of all the joy and excitement, take a moment to reflect on the greatest of all Christmas gifts revealed over two thousand years ago.
The baby Jesus is worth so much more than any earthly gift. Christmas presents are enjoyed for a little while; Jesus will be enjoyed for all eternity. Remember this season to sing praises to Jesus, as the angels and the shepherds did. Jesus is worthy of all honor and glory.