“Behold… I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.” Isaiah 65:17–19
Heavenly Father, I love meditating on Isaiah’s tantalizing visions of Jesus’ first and second comings, for they remind us that Christmas is pregnant with immeasurable hope and irrepressible delight. You made promises SO big only you can fulfill them. And you are, Father, for every promise you have made finds its “Yes!” and fulfillment in Jesus (2Cor.1:30).
Through Jesus’ cradle (birth), cross (finished work on earth), and crown (ongoing work as our enthroned King)—we discover you to be “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2Cor.1:3)—more loving and joyful than we ever imagined. So, just how big of a deal is Christmas?
For all of us who have received Jesus—the quintessential Christmas gift—you forgave all our sins and declared us righteous in Christ. We’ve become your beloved children—with a home in your heart and citizenship in heaven—to name just a handful and a full heaven of blessings you have given us.
And right now, Jesus is “making all things new” and is redeeming his Bride from the nations. When he returns, Jesus will usher in the new heaven and new earth of Isaiah’s vision. At his 1st coming Jesus defeated evil; at his 2nd he’ll eradicate it. The expiration date on all sin and sickness, death and disease, harm and harming will arrive (Rev.21:1-5).
Hallelujah—our forever will be forever full of your truth, goodness, and beauty. We will not want to change one thing about it, as eternity will be way beyond all we can ask or imagine. No wonder Isaiah prophesied with so much joy. Father, the heck with a “merry little Christmas”! Hallelujah, for a Christmas as big as your heart, your promises, and the Gospel! So Very Amen.