An Apocalyptic Christmas Story
An Apocalyptic Christmas Story
Revelation 12:1-17; Genesis 3:15
Revelation 12 tells a Christmas story unlike any we've heard before — not the nativity scene we picture every December, but the nativity story nonetheless. In three parts, John shows us that God sent a Savior just as He promised in Genesis 3:15, that God has accomplished a salvation that is certain through the blood of the Lamb, and that God provides everything His people need for the ongoing war against Satan. The dragon stood ready to devour the woman's child, but he failed — Jesus has won, Jesus is winning, and Jesus wins.
Takeaways
Applying it this week:
This week, remember that whatever wilderness you're walking through, God has prepared a place for you in it — to protect you, provide for you, and grow you. The dragon may still rage, but he is a defeated foe. Stand on what Christ has already accomplished, and let that truth steady you through whatever comes.
Revelation 12:1-17; Genesis 3:15
Revelation 12 tells a Christmas story unlike any we've heard before — not the nativity scene we picture every December, but the nativity story nonetheless. In three parts, John shows us that God sent a Savior just as He promised in Genesis 3:15, that God has accomplished a salvation that is certain through the blood of the Lamb, and that God provides everything His people need for the ongoing war against Satan. The dragon stood ready to devour the woman's child, but he failed — Jesus has won, Jesus is winning, and Jesus wins.
Takeaways
- God keeps His promises — Jesus is the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.
- Satan is a defeated foe whose every attempt to destroy God's people has failed throughout history.
- Our salvation is certain, secured by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
- God provides everything His people need to endure the ongoing war against Satan.
Applying it this week:
This week, remember that whatever wilderness you're walking through, God has prepared a place for you in it — to protect you, provide for you, and grow you. The dragon may still rage, but he is a defeated foe. Stand on what Christ has already accomplished, and let that truth steady you through whatever comes.
Four ideas to reflect on this week:
Devotional 1: The Promise That Never Fails
Genesis 3:15 - I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Reflection Question: Where in your life right now do you need to remember that God always keeps His promises?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You that You made a way for our redemption before sin had even finished its first day. Help me trust Your promises today, even in the waiting. Strengthen my faith to stand on Your Word no matter what I'm facing.
Devotional 2: A Defeated Foe
Revelation 12:9 - And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Satan is already defeated change the way you face the spiritual battles in your life this week?
Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You that the dragon has already lost. Remind me that I don't have to fear an enemy You have already cast down. Give me the courage to walk in the victory You've secured.
Devotional 3: Conquered by the Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 12:11 - And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to hold your testimony of Jesus more loosely to your own comfort and more tightly to His glory?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, thank You for the power of Your blood that covers every sin and every accusation against me. Give me boldness to speak of what You have done. Let my life testify to Your victory, whatever the cost.
Devotional 4: Rejoice, Heaven and Earth
Revelation 12:12 - Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!
Reflection Question: What is one specific thing from this sermon you can rejoice over today, knowing the devil's time is short?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, turn my heart toward rejoicing even when the enemy seems to rage. Remind me that his time is short and Your reign is forever. Let my joy in You be a witness to those around me.
Genesis 3:15 - I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
Reflection Question: Where in your life right now do you need to remember that God always keeps His promises?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You that You made a way for our redemption before sin had even finished its first day. Help me trust Your promises today, even in the waiting. Strengthen my faith to stand on Your Word no matter what I'm facing.
Devotional 2: A Defeated Foe
Revelation 12:9 - And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Satan is already defeated change the way you face the spiritual battles in your life this week?
Prayer Prompt: Father, thank You that the dragon has already lost. Remind me that I don't have to fear an enemy You have already cast down. Give me the courage to walk in the victory You've secured.
Devotional 3: Conquered by the Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 12:11 - And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection Question: What would it look like for you to hold your testimony of Jesus more loosely to your own comfort and more tightly to His glory?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, thank You for the power of Your blood that covers every sin and every accusation against me. Give me boldness to speak of what You have done. Let my life testify to Your victory, whatever the cost.
Devotional 4: Rejoice, Heaven and Earth
Revelation 12:12 - Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!
Reflection Question: What is one specific thing from this sermon you can rejoice over today, knowing the devil's time is short?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, turn my heart toward rejoicing even when the enemy seems to rage. Remind me that his time is short and Your reign is forever. Let my joy in You be a witness to those around me.
Primary Scripture references from the sermon:
Revelation 12:1-17
Genesis 3:15
Isaiah 14:12-15
Daniel 7
Exodus 19:4
Zechariah 13
Genesis 3:15
Isaiah 14:12-15
Daniel 7
Exodus 19:4
Zechariah 13
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