Celebrate Our Joy

Revelation 19:1-9

One week from today, my husband and I will celebrate our 22^nd anniversary.  It seems like only yesterday we invited our friends and family to “rejoice and be glad with us.” Our reception was quite the party!

A few days before the wedding, my soon-to-be husband started inviting everyone he saw.  Strangers on the street were encouraged to attend.  Now, anyone who’s planned a wedding knows one of the most important things is to stick to the numbers.  The reception hall was already full and I was afraid we weren’t going to have enough seats or food.

But Corey didn't see it that way.  He's "the more the merrier” type.  He was genuinely excited about our wedding and wanted to share our joy.  Yes, we did have people show up who hadn’t been sent a formal invitation, but it all worked out.

The dance floor was packed, and we celebrated well into the night.  It was a true celebration, filled with unforgettable memories.

I can only imagine that’s what God wants for us when we’re ready to enter into a relationship with Him.  He wants us to be filled with joy and then want to share that joy with others.  “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (v. 9).

No one throws a party better than the Father.  Wouldn’t you like to be invited to His feast?

So, as Corey and I celebrate together, we’ll also celebrate Christ.  It’s through Him these past 22 years were possible.  “Amen, Hallelujah!”

PS:  I just found a copy of our wedding program and the cover reads - Celebrate Our Joy.  I think we all did!

    

Our Lord God Reigns

JANUARY 4        

                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Revelation 19:6-10 and reflect on the passage.

I imagine myself standing there in the multitudes, overwhelmed by the sound of their praises. I feel as though I am standing at the base of a mountain with a raging waterfall. As I read the passage, I hear their praises as the sound of the water pouring down the mountain. Then I recognize the scene that is taking place. I am standing at the long awaited marriage supper of the Lamb. I hear myself joining in with the worshipers and I cry, “The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.”

As I imagine myself at this beautiful ceremony, I realize I can begin worshiping the Lord, with these same praises now. The marriage supper of the Lamb has not yet come, but the Groom has come and the Spirit of God is among us. The Lord our God the Almighty reigns now. As I wait for this beautiful day, I will begin now to recognize and add to the stream of praises that are already forming. For His Kingdom is here and “the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.”

QuestionsLook up the sound of a waterfall and imagine the scene in this passage.Imagine yourself standing in the sea of worshipers. Spend time joining in with the praises, praising the Lord for who he is.

Prayer

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” I praise you Lord for You are alive and active in the world today.

                                                                                                                                    Maddie Benson

King of Kings

December 21                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

A tiny, little baby born, entering the world without much fanfare, in a simple stable. No waiting room filled with excited grandparents and friends – only Mary, Joseph, and some animals were present. No balloons, banners, nor perfectly decorated nursery. The Son of Mary, no ordinary baby, He was born King of Kings! The song says:

“Mary, did you know that your baby Boy would one day walk on water? Would save our sons and daughters? Has come to make you new? This Child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Will calm the storm with his hand? Has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Would one day rule the nations? Is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping Child you're holding is the great I AM.”

The King of Kings arrived…the world, and we, would never be the same!

Questions

“King of Kings” – no higher authority; His reign over all things is absolute. What in your life currently competes for that place of authority?

How does the text imagery make you feel? What difference does the promise of the King of Kings coming make in your everyday life?

Prayer

In this Advent season may we watch and wait with anticipation and hope to the promised and glorious coming of the King of Kings! Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Becki Bork