Christmas: A Cosmic Battle of Good and Evil
Summary
In today's reflection, we delve into the profound narrative of Revelation 12, which offers a heavenly perspective on the Christmas story. This passage reveals the cosmic battle between good and evil, symbolized by the woman, the male child, and the dragon. The woman represents the faithful people of God throughout history, laboring to bring forth the promised seed, Jesus Christ, who is destined to rule all nations. The dragon, identified as Satan, has persistently sought to thwart God's plan by attempting to destroy the seed. Yet, God's sovereignty and miraculous interventions have ensured the fulfillment of His promises.
The Christmas story, often viewed through a sentimental lens, is, in fact, a declaration of war against the forces of darkness. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a divine campaign to defeat Satan, who is ultimately cast out of heaven, unable to accuse the brethren before God. This victory is achieved through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of believers who do not cling to their lives but trust in Christ's redemptive work.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the true essence of this season is not found in worldly sentiments but in the victory of the cross. The defeat of Satan signifies that he can no longer accuse us before God, and we are called to live in the freedom and joy of this truth. The church, as the offspring of the woman, continues to face Satan's attacks, but we are equipped with the Word of God, our sword, to stand firm and build the kingdom for future generations.
In this season, let us embrace the victory of Christ, proclaiming "Merry Christmas" as a war cry of triumph over sin and death. Let us live with gratitude, joy, and a commitment to God's commandments, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Cosmic Battle of Christmas: Revelation 12 presents the Christmas story as a cosmic battle between good and evil, with the woman, the male child, and the dragon symbolizing the struggle between God's people and Satan. This perspective reminds us that Christmas is not just a sentimental holiday but a declaration of war against darkness. [10:17]
2. God's Sovereign Plan: Throughout history, God has sovereignly intervened to ensure the fulfillment of His promises, despite Satan's attempts to thwart His plan. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ultimate victory over evil. [15:51]
3. Victory Through Christ: The defeat of Satan is achieved through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of believers. This victory means that Satan can no longer accuse us before God, and we are called to live in the freedom and joy of this truth. [25:14]
4. The Church's Role in the Battle: As the offspring of the woman, the church continues to face Satan's attacks. We are equipped with the Word of God, our sword, to stand firm and build the kingdom for future generations. [32:22]
5. Living in the Victory of the Cross: Christmas is a time to embrace the victory of Christ, proclaiming "Merry Christmas" as a war cry of triumph over sin and death. We are called to live with gratitude, joy, and a commitment to God's commandments, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. [37:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:10] - The Woman and the Dragon
- [02:58] - The War in Heaven
- [04:25] - Christmas and Cultural Sentiments
- [06:02] - Humanistic Views of Morality
- [07:06] - Misconceptions of Peace
- [08:55] - The Heavenly Perspective of Christmas
- [10:17] - Understanding Revelation
- [11:32] - The Characters of Revelation 12
- [13:48] - Israel's Role in God's Plan
- [15:51] - God's Intervention in History
- [17:20] - The Great Red Fiery Dragon
- [18:12] - The Male Child and His Mission
- [19:33] - Satan's Attempts to Destroy the Seed
- [21:45] - The Victory of the Cross
- [23:58] - The Casting Out of Satan
- [25:14] - Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb
- [27:10] - The Short Time of Satan's Wrath
- [29:29] - The Church's Battle Against Satan
- [31:34] - The Power of God's Word
- [32:52] - No Fear in Death
- [34:52] - Building for the Future
- [37:44] - The War Cry of Christmas
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 12:1-17
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the main symbols presented in Revelation 12, and what do they represent? [11:32]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the woman in Revelation 12? [14:52]
3. What is the significance of the dragon's actions towards the male child in Revelation 12? [19:33]
4. According to the sermon, how is the victory over Satan achieved? [25:14]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the cosmic battle depicted in Revelation 12 as part of the Christmas story? [08:55]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's sovereignty is demonstrated throughout history, as seen in Revelation 12? [15:51]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the church as the offspring of the woman in Revelation 12? [29:29]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the implications of Satan being cast out of heaven for believers today? [25:14]
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#### Application Questions
1. The sermon describes Christmas as a declaration of war against darkness. How can you incorporate this perspective into your Christmas celebrations this year? [08:55]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt under spiritual attack. How did you use the Word of God as your sword to stand firm? [31:34]
3. The sermon emphasizes living in the freedom and joy of Christ's victory. What practical steps can you take to live more fully in this truth daily? [26:06]
4. How can you actively participate in building the kingdom for future generations, as the sermon suggests? [34:52]
5. The sermon calls "Merry Christmas" a war cry of triumph. How can you use this phrase to remind yourself and others of the victory over sin and death? [37:44]
6. Consider the ways you might be clinging to worldly sentiments during the Christmas season. What changes can you make to focus more on the victory of the cross? [04:25]
7. How can you support and encourage others in your church community who may be facing spiritual battles? [29:29]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cosmic Battle of Christmas
The Christmas story is often seen through a lens of warmth and sentimentality, but Revelation 12 reveals a deeper, cosmic narrative. This passage presents the birth of Jesus as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle between good and evil. The woman symbolizes God's faithful people, the male child represents Jesus, and the dragon is Satan, who seeks to destroy God's plan. This perspective reminds us that Christmas is not merely a festive holiday but a declaration of war against the forces of darkness. As believers, we are called to recognize the spiritual significance of this season and engage in the battle with the assurance of Christ's victory. [10:17]
Revelation 12:7-9 (ESV): "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 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: How can you shift your perspective of Christmas from a cultural celebration to a recognition of the spiritual battle it represents? What steps can you take to engage in this battle with faith and courage today?
Day 2: God's Sovereign Plan
Throughout history, God has demonstrated His sovereignty by ensuring the fulfillment of His promises, despite Satan's persistent attempts to thwart His plan. The birth of Jesus is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ultimate victory over evil. This narrative in Revelation 12 highlights God's miraculous interventions and His unwavering commitment to His people. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the assurance that God's plans cannot be derailed by any force of darkness. Our faith is strengthened by the knowledge that God is in control, and His purposes will prevail. [15:51]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's sovereign plan? How can you actively remind yourself of His faithfulness and control over all circumstances today?
Day 3: Victory Through Christ
The defeat of Satan is achieved through the blood of the Lamb and the testimony of believers. This victory signifies that Satan can no longer accuse us before God, and we are called to live in the freedom and joy of this truth. The cross is the ultimate symbol of triumph over sin and death, and as believers, we are invited to embrace this victory in our daily lives. By trusting in Christ's redemptive work, we can overcome the enemy's accusations and live with confidence in our identity as children of God. [25:14]
Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: What accusations or lies from the enemy do you need to reject today? How can you remind yourself of the victory you have in Christ and live in the freedom He offers?
Day 4: The Church's Role in the Battle
As the offspring of the woman, the church continues to face Satan's attacks. However, we are equipped with the Word of God, our sword, to stand firm and build the kingdom for future generations. This ongoing battle requires believers to be vigilant and proactive in their faith, using Scripture as their guide and weapon against the enemy. The church is called to be a beacon of light in a dark world, advancing God's kingdom and resisting the forces of evil. [32:22]
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: How can you actively use the Word of God as a weapon in your spiritual battles? What specific steps can you take to strengthen your role in building God's kingdom today?
Day 5: Living in the Victory of the Cross
Christmas is a time to embrace the victory of Christ, proclaiming "Merry Christmas" as a war cry of triumph over sin and death. We are called to live with gratitude, joy, and a commitment to God's commandments, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. This season invites us to reflect on the transformative power of the cross and to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can experience the fullness of His victory in every aspect of our lives. [37:44]
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Reflection: In what ways can you proclaim the victory of Christ in your daily life? How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude and joy as you live out your faith this Christmas season?
Quotes
"Establish us in the confidence of Your sovereignty, that with boldness and with strength that we may face everything the world has to offer in an assurance that we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. In Jesus' name. Amen." [00:00:41]
"Christmas has become a retail season that preys upon a sappy and nostalgic feeling that has a desire to see peace on earth and goodwill to all people without a fixed truth of what is good. Love, goodness, and morality is achieved in the imaginations of self-serving sentiments that only serve to ease our gullibility. Guilt, pain, and stress." [00:04:32]
"Revelation is a book that has certainly caused confusion throughout the history of the church. And this is especially true over the last century. Most of this confusion centers around the idea that people try to explain Revelation and the things in it from an earthly point of view. Think about that. So people look at Christmas, and they want to look at it strictly through human eyes, from the human perspective." [00:09:26]
"The book of Revelation is written in signs and symbols, and God has, in fact, graciously given us the rest of His Word to understand these signs. And it is with His Word that we can make sense of Revelation in a way that it fits into the whole narrative of Scripture." [00:10:30]
"The woman in Revelation 12 is representative of all the struggles in the Old Testament to bring forth the promised seed, to bring deliverance to all nations. And because of that, when we look at Scripture in the Old Testament, we see that Satan has been at work to prevent the seed from being born." [00:12:18]
"It's important that we remember this. God did not pronounce the coming battle at creation, at the fall of man, and then let history run its course. But he sovereignly intervened and miraculously brings forth the seed. Indeed, God did not just start the world, as some philosophers would say, and just spun it out. And Satan runs havoc and he does all these things and God just, you know, he's playing defense. No, his plan marches forth." [00:16:35]
"Jesus by being faithful and staying to the test set before him by the father deceived the father of lies what seems to be the utter defeat of God's plan of redemption the death of Jesus seems to leave no way to deal with the accusations of Satan against the brethren we read in verse seven of Revelation 12 that that that war broke out and there's a heavenly war and Satan was cast out of heaven verse 8 it says but they that is Satan and all of his demons did not prevail nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer so the great dragon was cast out and again clarifying that serpent of old called the devil and Satan who deceives the whole world" [00:23:58]
"Returning to Revelation. Revelation 12, John hears a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation and strength and the kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ have come for the accuser of the brethren who was accused them before our God day and night has been cast down. People of God, are you not full of joy with the idea of Christmas?" [00:26:06]
"The war of Christmas has brought salvation. Because? of the blood of Jesus Christ for our sins, the people of God rejoice. Cling to the work of Jesus Christ. Any sentiment at Christmas should be in the victory of the cross." [00:28:05]
"Satan has been cast out and defeated because he and his minions cannot reach king jesus his efforts are to the woman and the rest of her offspring just as israel was the woman bearing general offspring so the church today is the woman and the dragon was enraged see in verse 17 and the dragon was enraged with the woman and he went out to make war with the rest of her offspring satan can't reach jesus so he attacks the church the very people of god satan attacks the church from within and from without what did jesus talk about that satan sows weeds among the healthy fruitful grain" [00:28:38]
"The church overcomes Satan by the blood of the Lamb. That is the testimony of what Christ has done for us. The church must not love our lives and seek to preserve ourselves above all things. But rather, we are to trust Jesus' words. If we want to preserve it, lay down our life. For the kingdom." [00:32:22]
"For the generations to come. Be prepared. Have your sword ready. That is what? What does the Bible tell us the sword is? It is the word of God. Have the word of God ready. All the while, keeping your eyes out for danger. Listening for the horn being blown that it's over here." [00:37:03]
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