I opened the sliding glass door into the night coolness and was greeted by the smell of "good cigars." The fire was blazing and the conversation was animated. I have a very large family with very large personalities. The topic was politics, even though it had been decided ahead of time by the host that that topic was off limits. However, since he was the one holding forth I figured he must have changed his mind. Everyone was friendly even though they didn't agree with each other.
I listened a while in the darkness, but because of my ever encroaching deafness I found it difficult to follow what was being said. I could hear the hum of their voices rising and falling, but my attention was drawn to the starlit sky and I let my mind move in that direction.
"Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like fiery flame, and on His head were many crowns, He had a name written that no one knows except Himself. He wore a robe stained with blood, and His name is called the Word of God. The armies that were in heaven followed Him on white horses,wearing pure white linen. From His mouth came a sharp sword, so that with it He might strike the nations. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the wine-press of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:11-16).
As I drove home I was aware that the Christmas season was in full swing. I was beginning to see mangers everywhere. I thought with wonder about Jesus who is, "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation; because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominion or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him" (Colossians 1:15-16). What a picture of incredible grace! That this same Jesus would humble Himself to be born into poverty--such a picture of love that stoops down and offers salvation to those who hung Him on the cross.
I thought about this picture of grace, but then I could almost hear a shout from heaven and I thought about His glory. "Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, including those who pieced Him. And all the families of the earth will mourn over him. This is certain. Amen" (Revelation 1:7). My mind, my heart, my soul, my spirit are filled with wonder as I meditate on His grace and glory.
