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2023 Advent Daily Devotions

Daily bible readings and reflections from the Book of Revelation

FOREWORD

Ian Paul

'I think I’m quite ready for another adventure!’ So says Bilbo Baggins as he boards the ship at the Grey Havens, on his way to the Undying Lands. Many Christians feel a little nervous about the adventure of reading this book. So here are my suggestions for getting the most out of these studies. 1. Be curious Whenever we open the Bible, we are (in Augustine’s words) reading a love letter from home. But this home of ours is another country, so we are also at the same time going on a cross-cultural adventure. The Bible was written in another language by people from another time and place, with different habits, cultures, and expectations from us. This is especially so with the Book of Revelation, which is ‘strange’ to us in all sorts of ways. So we need to be curious as we embark on this adventure, ready to learn of its strange ways, and open to hearing what God might say to us on the journey. 2. Be careful When you travel to another country, you need to learn its customs, ways of doing things, and ways of speaking, if you want to avoid misunderstanding or causing offence. There is a widespread vacuum of understanding about some important aspects of this book (such as the way it uses numbers), and vacuums always collect rubbish! We therefore need to exercise a historically disciplined imagination as we read. Many popular interpretations of Revelation are simply not possible, as they could not have been what John intended to communicate to his first audience, and we need to attend to such questions. 3. Be confident And yet, as Rev 1:3 makes clear, we are not on our own as we read. Scripture is not so much a gift to each of us as individuals (though it is that)—it is primarily a gift from God to His people. So we are reading in good company, of those around us, of those who have had time to explore the difficult issues, and those who have gone before us. Paul tells us that all Scripture is profitable to help us grow in faith—and Revelation is part of those Scriptures! So be assured that God will speak to us through this part of His word to us as we read faithfully—as we set out on this adventure together. The Revd Dr Ian Paul, Adjunct Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary. Images: Cover: Unknown Artist, Christ in Majesty, 1025–1050. http://www.getty.edu Foreward: Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Nativity with the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, 1308-1311. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Devotion for Monday 25th December: Master of Imola, The Nativity with Six Dominican Monks, 1265/1274. Courtesy of the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Patiently endure

December 3, 2023 • Mark Ireland • Revelation 1

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read Revelation 1 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Suffering and kingdom and patient endurance’ Revelation 1:9 (NIV) This phrase reminds me of my honeymoon! Gill and I spent the last weekend of our honeymoon in London, and I took her to an Anglican church with a strong reputation for Biblical preaching. The sermon was on Revelation 1 and the preacher spent half an hour explaining that suffering, kingdom and patient endurance were hallmarks of the Christian life. I spent the sermon quietly hoping that my new bride wasn’t taking this as a warning of things to come! John, the author of Revelation, had been exiled to the lonely island of Patmos (v.9) by the Roman authorities because of his testimony to Jesus. When John met the risen Jesus in a vision (v.13) he was given a message that related to events in the first century, ‘to show what must soon take place’ (v.1). He was writing to encourage seven local churches to keep the faith in a time of persecution ‘for the time is near’ (v.3) and to show patient endurance for the sake of the kingdom of Christ. The seven churches listed in verse 11 were in a small area of what today would be western Turkey. Interestingly, the order in which the cities are listed is exactly the order that the carrier of the letter would visit them in, following a circular route along the trade routes of the time. So as we embark on reading the book of Revelation let’s first try to imagine what this message would have meant to these young churches under threat of persecution. As we do so let’s realise that these words are deeply relevant for today too, for ‘suffering, kingdom and patient endurance’ have been the lived experience of faithful disciples of Jesus in every generation since the first century. Suffering and persecution are signs of a world that is not yet fully under the rule of Christ. But God’s kingdom continues to break into this world, and local churches are called to be signs and agents of God’s kingdom in their communities. Let us pray: Lord Jesus, ruler of the kings of the earth, help me to patiently endure whatever suffering may come today as I strive for Your kingdom to come. Amen. The Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn

Looking to Jesus

December 4, 2023 • Anne Beverley • Revelation 2:1–17

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read Revelation 2:1-17 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance’ Revelation 2:2a I find reading these words right at the beginning of Advent rather thought provoking. Especially considering how busy the next few weeks will become. To know that God sees my work and my toil, and that He sees my patient endurance, brings me much comfort in the middle of the chaos of this season. And yet there is also a warning for us, because the passage goes on to say that ‘you have abandoned the love you had at first’ (v.4). How very easy it is for us, not just at this time of year, but throughout our lives, to get so caught up in the ‘doing’ of being Christian that we forget the God whom we worship. Many are the times when I sit down at the end of the day to read by Bible and pray, only to find myself falling asleep because the day’s tasks have left me too tired. Don’t get me wrong, many days are spent doing lots of good works for the Lord, that is one of the privileges of being able to work full-time as a Priest. And yet, all the good works in the world are worth nothing unless I put Jesus at the centre of them. If not careful I can be guilty of doing just that; of focusing so much on the doing that I fail to find time to be with God. This is a timely reminder to us, right at the beginning of Advent, not to let the business of Christmas divert our attention from the reason behind the celebration. The 25th December will come and go as it does every year, whether I am ready for it or not. But daily focus on Jesus cannot be put off. As we travel through the book of Revelation let us turn our eyes towards Jesus, place Him first and foremost in our minds, give Him the best part of our days, remind ourselves each and every day of our love for Him, and then open ourselves to receive His love and care for us. Let us pray: Father, may we find your peace in the joy of the upcoming season. In the middle of the excitement, help us to focus on You as we prepare to celebrate the wonder of Your Son coming down to earth to live with us. Amen. The Revd Anne Beverley Vicar of Christ Church, Wesham & Dean of Women’s Ministry.

Examining our hearts

December 5, 2023 • Matteo Zambon • Revelation 2:18—3:6

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 2:18-3:6 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’ Revelation 3:6 Today we are invited to look at the examples of two churches. Thyatira seems to be doing quite well. They love and have faith, they are patient and enduring, and seem to have improved since their foundation... they have one small problem: ‘Jezebel’ (v.20). Jezebel, the prophetess who is trying to get the faithful to compromise on eating food offered to idols. Thyatira was on a major West/East trade route and had a large number of trade guilds. These guilds would have great meals and celebrations which would involve sacrificing to pagan gods. Our Christians would have found themselves in a difficult position: compromise and sacrifice to the pagan gods and remain in the good graces of the guilds, or hold firm to Almighty God to guide them through the shunning they would face from refusing to sacrifice and eat the food of idols. Sardis, on the other hand, was apparently nothing to be impressed with. God warns them that though they have received the word of God they have failed to do anything with it...they merely plod along in complacency! They are asleep, and they will be found sleeping when the Lord comes. Are we, or have we been, asleep in our faith, like Sardis? Have we in the last few months merely ‘plodded’ along in our faith? Have we failed to live out the loving message of life that has been entrusted to us? Have we been faithful in all things but one, like Thyatira? What issues have we compromised on in our faith when we know it goes against the teaching of Christ, the Scriptures and our inherited faith? Now is the time to examine our hearts carefully, to turn back to Christ with the love that He has placed in our hearts! Let us turn back to Him and peel away the sleepiness and the compromise that separates us from following Christ who loves us! Let’s go out to proclaim His truth and His love to those around us! Christ is coming, let our hearts be full of joy and love as we return to Him. The Revd Matteo Zambon Assistant Curate, Church of The Ascension, Torrisholme.

Keeping the door open

December 6, 2023 • Sam Walmsley • Revelation 3:7–22

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 3:7-22 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’ Revelation 3:22 I am not ashamed to say that I absolutely love a plan! Furthermore, this is even more joyous when it includes a list. However, I have come to learn that in everyday life things do not always follow the intended plan. Yes, this is frustrating but some might say that it helps to build resilience. Ultimately, we learn that even when things do not go to plan, we should still plough on and never give up. In today’s passage we read of Christ’s message to the church in Philadelphia and learn they have ‘kept my word and have not denied my name’ (v.8). Crucially, they have done these things even though they have ‘little power’ (v.8) and regardless of the fact that there are some who spoke against them. In brief, the people of the church in Philadelphia have remained faithful to Christ and their belief in Him regardless of their small numbers or the evil words they hear from others. No matter how challenging this might have been for them, they have not given up on proclaiming Christ as Lord. In turn their faithfulness to Him is rewarded by His promise to keep them from ‘the hour of trial’ (v.10) and they are reminded that the door to eternal life will be opened for them. In contrast, the church of Laodicea is ‘lukewarm’ (v.16), spoiled by their comfortable existence (v.17) they have called themselves Christians without really living it out. Those receiving this letter think that they have accepted Christ but He is still outside knocking to be allowed into their hearts (v.20). On our own pilgrim journeys and in the life of our churches, there are times when we may be few in number, deflated by negative comments or exhausted by the toils of daily life. Indeed, we all experience times when things simply do not go to plan. However, we are to be assured always of the promise of Christ and remain faithful to His command. At other times we grow comfortable and forget about our need of Jesus as the Laodiceans did. As we await and prepare for our celebration of the Incarnation, ensure the door of your heart is fully open so that Christ can enter and be your guide and tune your ears to the Spirit. And, then, when things are not going to plan, worry not and be faithful to Christ because you are a part of God’s plan and there is no greater path for us to tread. Sam Walmsley, Ordinand.

Reverence and awe

December 7, 2023 • Michelle Delves • Revelation 4

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 4 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘The four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’’ Revelation 4:8 As we journey towards Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all that means for the world, it is also a time when we remember the One who sent Him. Revelation 4 reminds us that we should praise God for His wonderful works and the way He sustains everything He made. He is to be praised for the marvellous world He created and for the life He gives us—especially our new life given through faith in Jesus. This chapter is full of beautiful imagery of powerful acts of glorifying God. Our brother in Christ, John, paints for us a picture of a heavenly act of worship with mystical creatures, images of precious jewels, and a beautiful rainbow that shines like an emerald. It is all about the authority and worship of our Father God. Worship is such a powerful way to surrender our lives to Father, Son and Holy Spirit; it allows us to glorify and speak Their holy authority over all the earth. So as we approach celebrating that day, the day that changed the whole world forever, let’s do so with an expectant sense of reverence and awe. Re-read Revelation 4: • Ask the Holy Spirit to be with you as you read and then listen to it. • Think about how understanding this chapter can help you sing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come’, in your heart this Advent. • Does it leave you with a sense of the Greatness of God, a deeper desire to worship Him, in and through Jesus, in every season? Finally listen/read the chapter again, see which word or phrase draws your attention, write it down and carry it with you. Maybe write an advent prayer around it. The Revd Michelle Delves, Associate Mission Priest, Holy Trinity & St Bartholomew’s, Colne.

The most important thing

December 8, 2023 • Jo Smith • Revelation 5

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 5 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!’ Revelation 5:12 Have you ever done an escape room? It is only once you crack the puzzles that you discover what is at the end. The sense of euphoria when you get through (and in the time limit) is exciting, especially when you get the photo to prove it! The opening verses talk of a metaphorical scroll which will reveal God’s will and intention. However, it can only be opened after the death of the Lamb (Jesus). He is the only one who can open the scroll and break the seals. He is the only one who is worthy. Standing in the centre of the throne (v.6), Jesus now comes centre stage, the one to be worshipped. He is worthy to be worshipped, because He has been slain / killed in our place, paid the price for our sins so we can have a relationship with God and through Him will come God’s kingdom on earth. That is quite an incredible list of reasons! A bit like an escape room (but so much better!) only once you have encountered God do you experience life in all its fullness and do we realise how amazing it is to worship the creator of the world. In this vision, John sees Jesus standing in the centre of the throne. Does this reflect where Jesus is in your life? What is even more beautiful is to see how those worshipping Christ grow in number as we journey through this chapter (from living creatures and elders (v.8), to innumerable angels (v.11) to all of creation (v.13)). When we worship God with our whole lives, it shines through who we are and what we do. It points other people to esus with the hope that they too will get to know Him and all He has done for us. This Advent, take some time to think about what is precious to you. What is the most important thing in your life? Is it God our creator and rescuer? If so, does that show through in all that we are and do? “And the elders fell down and worshipped” (v.14). Are we joining in? The Revd Jo Smith, Vicar of Euxton Parish.

Who is able to stand

December 9, 2023 • Philip Venables • Revelation 6

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 6 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘They cried out with a loud voice, ‘Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be’ Revelation 6:10 Are things getting better or getting worse? I imagine that with climate change in our world, destructive war in Europe, economic and political mess in our country, and ever-increasing persecution of Christians, many are finding quite a lot to feel gloomy about. This is where the book of Revelation is so helpful. Behind this book stands an agonised question—If God is in control, why are things as bad as they are? When we come to chapter 6 the question takes a slightly different turn—not so much ‘why?’ as ‘how long?’, how long before God does something about it (v.10)? The answers given in chapter 6 are hard and challenging, but hugely helpful too. First, evil will continue to get worse, so don’t be surprised. That is the message of the first six of the seven seals. We meet the famous four horsemen of the apocalypse, depicting war, persecution, famine and death. Then we meet our brothers and sisters who have been murdered for their faith. Finally, with the sixth seal, we have the final judgement, encompassing every stratum of society from kings to slaves. So while we may (should) be saddened, even appalled by evil, we should not be caught out. God knows. Second, evil is in the hand of God, so be understanding. Notice, first, that the seals are all opened by the Lamb. In other words, it is the crucified, risen, glorified, and reigning Lord Jesus Christ, who brings these things about. Then, notice the repeated word ‘given’. Its rider was ‘given a crown’ (v.2); they were ‘given authority’ (v.8). Given by whom? By God. This is indeed a hard truth. But which do you find the most comforting? That evil happenings are random and meaningless? Or that, time and again, Satan has the upper hand? Or that all things, good and evil, are under the sovereign rule of God? Third, a day of vindication will come, so have hope. The martyrs ask, ‘how long?’ (v10). They are told to wait a little longer. But then the day of the wrath of the Lamb will come. God will not wait for ever. And so chapter 6 ends with a new question: On that day, ‘who is able to stand’ (v.17)? Who indeed? And how? The wondrous, glorious, answer comes in chapter 7. Read on! Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, when evil increases around us and when our own circumstances seem to threaten us, help us to remain steadfast in faith and in thanksgiving, so that on the day of Your coming we may be found standing and may rejoice to see You face to face. Amen. The Revd Philip Venables, Vicar of St John’s Whittle-le-Woods & Clayton Brook Community Church.

Constantly in the presence of God

December 10, 2023 • David Picken • Revelation 7

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 7 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘They cried out in a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!’’ Revelation 7:10 Cathy and I were watching a TV drama the other day. It involved a depiction of heaven and hell. We were commenting that people find it easier to portray hell, however inaccurate that may be. The idea of fire, eternal torment, shame seems to come relatively easily to us. Heaven is a rather different matter. In today’s passage we see a depiction of the gathering of the people of God in heaven. It may give us a clue as to why people find it difficult sometimes to see heaven in dramatic form. The truth is that when in eternity the whole people of God are gathered it will be a glorious time and we will experience the full beauty and the benefit of salvation. We often talk about heaven as being a time of worshipping God, day and night for eternity as is stated in this passage. The trouble is that is limited by our own experience of worship here on earth. No doubt, in truth, like me you have seen worship at its most beautiful and uplifting and bluntly, somewhat dreary, so that may not help to have an idea of what worship in heaven is like. We will always be limited in our understanding of what heaven will be like by our own limited expectation and experience of life on earth. What we really need to know is that heaven is, as the passage says, to be constantly in the presence of God in the fullness of that sense. However much in this life we may experience God as a daily reality we are also hampered by life’s difficult experiences and even the mundane ones. The promise of eternity is of a promise of a people constantly caught up in the reality of all that is good, of all that is beautiful, of all that is uplifting about their experience on earth and so much more. It is in the end the limitation of our own experience and imagination that will make us unsure about the promise of heaven. Today, let us give thanks for the promise of the great gift of eternity that will surpass any understanding that we currently have. To know the gift of salvation and the hope of life spent in the glorious reality that we see promised in Jesus is as much as we could possibly hope for and desire. Let us pray: Loving God, we thank you for the gift and promise of resurrection and we look forward with confident hope to sharing eternal joy with you. Amen. The Venerable David Picken, Archdeacon of Lancaster.

Prayers are heard, valued and powerful

December 11, 2023 • Paul Bye • Revelation 8:1—9:12

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 8:1-9:12 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.’ Revelation 8:4 Why bother praying? If on occasions heaven has seemed silent, maybe this question has crossed our mind? And if true in our setting, how much more for the hard pressed Christians Revelation first spoke to, or persecuted believers today. Does God hear? Does prayer do anything? These verses say yes and yes! There is silence in heaven (8:1) as Jesus progresses God’s plan. What is heaven holding its breath for? Part of the answer is prayer. Verses 3 and 4 might seem like an ill-timed advert break in a gripping drama. But they are central. They tells us believers’ prayers are heard, rising before God’s throne. Valued. Precious incense is offered with them, a sign they please God. Powerful. Their reaching to heaven is the Lord’s means of bringing His purposes on earth (8:5). Stern purposes. The first four trumpets signal God’s disciplining judgements in the physical realm. The land, sea, waters and sky face catastrophe. As we look around at once lush forests now arid deserts or flourishing oceans poisoned, we see an echo today. But this is more than simply the outworking of human actions. Shipping and the stars are destroyed or darkened. This is divine action against sin. In the spiritual realm too. The eagle, a sign of impending danger, signals the first woe (8:13). A humanity which has rejected the life-giver is allowed to feel the consequences, left under the control of the Destroyer (9:11) - Satan and his demonic servants. He promises life in turning from God. But his promises are hollow (9:5-6). Yet there is mercy. Only a third of creation is destroyed (8:7). The forces of evil cannot kill nor are they eternal (9:5). The trumpets are to warn. God is not yet bringing the end. I suspect we will be left with ‘what’s and ‘why’s? But let us take one thing away. Why pray? Because those prayers are heard, valued and powerful. Through them the Lord chooses to work out His eternal purposes. Stern purposes at times. But always tempered with mercy. So let us give ourselves afresh to prayer today. Let us pray: Holy and merciful Father, who hears the prayers of Your people, strengthen us in this confidence that we might be persistent in calling upon You, that Your just and merciful ways might be seen on earth. In the name of the Lamb, our Lord Jesus. Amen. The Revd Paul Bye, Vicar of St Paul’s, Ansdell and Fairhaven.

The sweet message of the Gospel

December 12, 2023 • Dan Freeman • Revelation 9:13—10:11

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 9:13-10:11 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘So I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.’ Revelation 10:10 Numbers are special in Revelation. The No.49 is my favourite. It corresponds to ‘sweet and sour pork balls’ at my local Chinese takeaway. In our reading today John gets his version of this Chinese delicacy, wrapped up in a scroll. He’s not the first person to eat this dish, the Prophet Ezekiel also ate sweet and sour scroll. It symbolised God putting His word inside Ezekiel. Ezekiel was given the hard task of taking God’s message of salvation and judgement to a people who didn’t want to hear (Ezekiel 3:1-9). The same is true here. John is given God’s word to proclaim. There is some hidden information which John is told not to proclaim (10:4). These things are above our pay grade to understand and we do well not to speculate about them. But John is to proclaim the mystery that is revealed on the scroll (10:7). This mystery is the gospel (Romans 16:25-26); Jesus Christ, God the Son made flesh so that He might die our death on the cross and be raised to the right hand of the Father to intercede for us. It is a sweet message. Because of the cross, we who were God’s enemies can be His friends. We were destined for judgement but now we have the sure hope of heaven. We were alone and lost but now God by His Spirit comes and lives inside us. How wonderful it is to know Jesus! How wonderful it is to tell someone else about Jesus! However, it is also a bitter message. For those who won’t listen to God it’s a message of judgement. Sadly, people didn’t want to hear Ezekiel and they didn’t want to hear the apostle John, so they exiled him to Patmos (Revelation 1:9). In Revelation 9:20- 21 people won’t repent even after seeing the terrible effects of ignoring God. How hard it is to see someone walk away from Jesus. Will we join Ezekiel and John, receiving and sharing this sweet and sour message? Let’s pause and meditate on the sweetness of the gospel. Who could we share this sweet message with over Christmas? I wonder if the man who makes such delicious pork balls has heard the message of Jesus… The Revd Dan Freeman, Vicar of St James’, Chorley.

My home is in heaven

December 13, 2023 • Sarah Siddique Gill • Revelation 11

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 11 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshipped God.’ Revelation 11:16 Chapter 11 of the Book of Revelation assures those who are going through persecution for their faith that they will continue to remain protected. Jesus at His Second Coming will destroy evil, removing Satan from this world forever. God revealed to John during his exile in Patmos that Jesus is coming back as the king to judge the world and establish a just and righteous kingdom forever. This revelation came at the time when seven churches in Asia were undergoing severe persecution from Emperor Domitian (A.D. 90-95). This reminds us that Church is built on the foundation of suffering and persecuted Christians. This book offers comfort to the believers who are persecuted for their faith in different parts of the world today. A Christian from Pakistan had composed a beautiful song in Urdu based on verses 15-19 of chapter 11. He writes, “My home is in heaven - This sinful land and sinful world is not my home.” There is steady growth of Christianity in the countries where Christians are persecuted. In verse 16, the twenty-four elders represent the twelve tribes of the Old Testament and twelve apostles in the New Testament. In the Birth, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ both Old and New Testaments are summed up. Jesus offers hope to all believers from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. In God’s family, all are welcomed. Like these 24 elders, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, and so we’re reminded this Advent of our call to proclaim God’s saving plan for everyone. The world will ultimately glorify Jesus (v.13). Advent offers a huge confidence to the Church in our time to believe and serve Jesus. We must robustly engage in preparing our communities to be holy and worthy to receive Jesus when He comes again. We are called to surrender our life in humility to Jesus, the ultimate king. Our Advent Prayer is “Maranatha” - Come, Lord and take charge of this world. Amen. The Revd Dr Sarah Siddique Gill, Vicar of United Benefice of St Stephen’s with St. James’, Blackburn.

Living in-between the Advents

December 14, 2023 • Tom Woolford • Revelation 12

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 12 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.’ Revelation 12:11 “We’ve been given our parts in the nativity play! And I’m the lobster!” “The Lobster?”“Yeah!” “In the nativity play?” ”Yeah! First Lobster!” “There was more than one lobster present at the birth of Jesus?” “Duh!” We all remember this scene from the 2003 film ‘Love Actually’ – and the later flash of the school nativity play in which, indeed, several crustaceans appear on stage to welcome Mary’s baby. While the film fondly mocks the desperate multiplication of characters in the primary school plays, reality is stranger than fiction. Not a lobster, admittedly, but a great red dragon was indeed present at our Lord’s birth. A key question we’re faced with in reading this chapter is this: who is the woman, the central character of the stylised story? Is she a symbol of the Church, picking up the imagery of Joseph’s dream and alluding to the twelve apostles? Or is she the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God? To quote an internet meme, ‘Both is good.’ Surveying the Church Fathers, they’re pretty evenly divided on the question – and a few make a case for the woman having double reference to Mother Church and Mother Mary. As Mary brought her Son into the world, the great dragon Satan, operating through Herod, sought to devour Him as soon as He was born; but the Holy Family fled to the wilderness of Egypt. Mary and Jesus thus both re-lived the story of Israel and anticipated the experience of the New Testament Church (cf. v.17): Satan seeks to accuse, destroy, and devour, often through oppressive secular power structures – but God thwarts his diabolical plan, protects and sustains His holy ones, and seals His Son’s comprehensive victory. We live in-between the Advents of Christ (vv.10-12). The devil has been defeated – thrown down from heaven and awaiting final judgement. The messianic kingdom has dawned: salvation has come, the accuser has been silenced, and the saints have conquered by the blood of the Lamb. And yet the devil’s final doom has not yet come: he has been cast down to the earth and rages around ‘with great wrath’ (v.12) in the short time he has left. It would be easy this Christmastime to ruin a toddlers’ nativity play by seeking to include a bloodthirsty dragon, a massive fight between some angels and demons, and a song about blood and woe in place of ‘Little Donkey’. But while preschoolers needn’t act out this drama, adult Christians should rejoice to have this opportunity to see behind the veil of the historical story we know so well to the spiritual significance of our Lord’s first coming, even as we wait for His second. The Revd Dr Tom Woolford, Vicar of All Saints, New Longton.

We cannot sit on the fence

December 15, 2023 • Stephanie Rankin • Revelation 13

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 13 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘and all the inhabitants of the earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that was slaughtered.’ Revelation 13:8 We cannot get through life without making choices although sometimes we try to hedge our bets. Usually, even on a sunny day, I take a coat or cardigan with me just in case it gets colder or wetter. However, other situations demand that we choose with no possibility of sitting on the fence. When booking a night away, eventually I have to decide where to stay and confirm the booking. Today’s passage moves from the picture of the heavenly conflict between God and Satan (the dragon) to the conflict between Satan and humanity in the world. In addition to the dragon, we are first introduced to the beast that comes from the sea with ten horns and seven heads (vv.1-10) who makes war on the saints. The second beast, from the earth, has two horns, exercises all the authority of the first beast, and causes people to worship the first beast (vv.11-15). Although written at a time when the Roman emperor persecuted Christians, it does not take too much imagination to see how various governments and authorities persecute Christians in the same way today. References to the “Mark of the Beast” (vv.16-18) have made their way into films and music even if people may not know where it comes from. Commentaries suggest that 666 may refer to Emperor Nero, who persecuted the early church. His mark was on coins and on legal documents and permeated every area of life and effectively, without having his mark, no one could buy or sell. However, those who have chosen to follow Christ are already sealed by Him and carry His mark. No one can serve two masters (Luke 16:3). This passage asks us to consider who we follow – do we follow Jesus, or do we let ourselves be deceived by the beast in whatever form that beast appears to us – power, wealth and possessions, popularity? We cannot sit on the fence – we either belong to Christ and are sealed by Him and follow Him or we belong to the world and allow ourselves to be deceived by the world. We must choose. Let us pray: Father God, I thank You that You have called me to follow You. Help me to choose You and Your ways today and every day. Amen. Stephanie Rankin, Stewardship Resourcing Officer

Followers of the Lamb

December 16, 2023 • Munawar Din • Revelation 14

Press 'more' to read the daily devotion... Read: Revelation 14 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible). ‘Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus.’ Revelation 14:12 We live in a world of ‘following,’ where people follow people for various reasons. For instance, millions of people follow famous actors, footballers or other renowned superstars on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media for recreation and leisure. Do you follow any superstars? Today’s reading is also about ‘following’. John shows us a picture of two groups of people who either follow the Lamb or the beast. But this ‘following’ is much more serious than following any superstars of this world. Let us look at these groups. First, the ‘followers of the Lamb’ (vv.1-5). They are the redeemed people from every nation, tribe, and language who accept the eternal gospel of Jesus the Lamb of God (v.4, 7:9, John 1:29). They worship the Creator, not the creature (v.7). They resist conforming to the ways of the beast but follow Jesus everywhere in every corner of life with distinctiveness, living as a sacrifice to God (vv.4-5,12). There is no condemnation for them (Romans 8:1). Eternal life is theirs in Jesus. Are we the followers of the Lamb? If yes, then how are we following Him in our lives? Do we conform to or conquer the ways of the beast? The call is to live a faithful and distinctive life as followers of the Lamb (vv.4-5, 12). Second, the ‘followers of the beast’ (vv.6-20). These people deny the eternal gospel of God and choose to follow and worship the beast, Satan, and receive his mark on them (v.9). They conform to the ways of the beast and reject the Lamb. But mysteriously the Lamb is also the Good Shepherd, the King of Kings. Rejecting the King and the gospel means rejecting the life He offers and evoking His judgement. John warns us of God’s impending judgement of eternal death for those who choose to follow the beast (vv.9-11, 17-20). We may be following a superstar for recreation and leisure but following the Lamb or the beast is a serious matter. John calls us to follow the Lamb by living as true and distinctive disciples in every aspect of life. May the Holy Spirit help us to endure in keeping God’s commandments and holding fast to the faith in Jesus (v.12) as we wait expectantly for Jesus’ return in power and glory. The Revd Munawar Din, Vicar of St Luke’s, Brierfield & St Cuthbert’s, Burnley.