December 23

Revelation 4:6b-11

In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures,

and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.

The first living feature was like a lion, 

the second was like an ox,

the third had a face like a man,

the fourth was like a flying eagle.

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, 

even under its wings.

Day and night they never stop saying:

“Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, and is, and is to come.”

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,

the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever.

They lay their crown before the throne and say:

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

and by your will they were created and have their being.”

In John’s vision of Heaven, God gave a glimpse of what Heaven will be like one day.  This passage has always stuck in my mind because I am in awe of the worship of God.  The throne is the focal point and the center with God seated on it.  He is worshiped day and night, continually - “Holy, holy, holy”.  It is great and powerful.  There is thunder and lightning.  There are great beasts worshiping God and the elders laying their crowns before Him.  Why?  Because He is the only one who is worthy.  He was, from before our beginning at creation.  He is - here with me now.  And He is to come, in the future he will return.  He alone is worthy of worship.  Just as the shepherds came to worship Jesus in the barn and the wiremen diligently followed a start to find this great king, my only response to God’s great gift is to fall on my  knees and live a life of worship.