The heavens roaring with angel songs, sweet incense offered to God, the sojourning faithful emerging from Babylon, believers bowing low before the Lamb in the city of the King. But … do you know what’s wild? Those words describe both the visions of Revelation and the birth of Christ!
In Revelation, John’s vision peels back the veil to reveal the glory of the heavenly throne room, undeterred by earth’s turbulence. The elders fall down in worship (Revelation 4:10), and at the center of it all, the Lamb of God is reigning on his throne. The angels shout unending praise to God (Revelation 5:11). The saints burn the incense of prayer (Revelation 8:3–4).
On that first Christmas, Matthew and Luke describe a scene strikingly similar to John’s vision. The angels sing praise to God, but now they are singing on earth—because God has come down to show his favor to humanity and bring heaven’s peace (Luke 2:14).
The shepherds huddle around him and offer their praise (Luke 2:20), much like the elders (shepherds of God’s people) fall down before him in the heavens (Revelation 4:10). The wise men come from the east (out of Babylon) carrying frankincense, going straight to the child Jesus, because he is God. And right at the center of every scene: Jesus Christ, the Lord on his manger throne.
These parallels show us that heaven really did come down to earth that first Christmas. That Jesus really is God, who became human to save us through his life, death, and resurrection. When he stepped onto history’s stage, he was greeted with extravagant worship.
One day, all of heaven will come down to dwell on earth. The skies will open, and the Lord Jesus will descend, bringing with him all the glory of the heavenly throne room and giving to us the everlasting wonder of life on earth in his presence, free from all sorrow and suffering.
This Christmas, let’s offer our extravagant worship to the God of the gospel and proclaim the good news to the whole world that in Christ, heaven has come to earth and one day will be on earth forever and ever, amen.
Respond
Listen to “Everlasting Wonder” by Summit Worship. As you attend Christmas church services, imagine you’re entering the heavenly throne room, joining the songs of angels to worship God. Invite a friend to come with you and get a tiny glimpse of heaven on earth.