Christmas -- The Rest of the Story

When we think of Christmas, we think of a baby, a mom, shepherds, gifts, joy, peace, kings......but that's not the whole story. I want to take a pause for a moment and look in into the "rest of the story."

Revelations 12 gives us some insight into the Christmas story. It tells us that while there is a physical reality to the story, the story behind the story is that a dragon -- the devil -- knew that "the salvation and power and kingdom of our God" was coming. It also, tells us that there was a great war and that the "Accuser has been thrown down to the earth," and that he was "ready to devour the baby as soon as it was born." It goes on to tell us that we "have defeated him [the accuser] because of the blood of the Lamb," but that since the dragon couldn't kill the child he "became angry at the woman, and he declared war against the rest of her children -- all who keep God's commandments and confess that they belong to Jesus." (12:17).

We need to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the fact that he has come. Salvation and power have come. But, we need to be on guard knowing that the devil has waged war against each of us. The war looks different at times but it is a war nonetheless. We must be alert and remember, that he is already defeated because of what that child did. And, we must remember God's promises. Here are a few: all God's promises in Jesus are yes; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; he that is in you is greater than he that is in the world; he will never leave you nor forsake you; we can go boldly to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace in our time of need; he is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine; and all things work together for the good of those that love him and are called according to his purpose.

That's the rest of the story.....