God is a Party Planner — Revelation 1–5

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (December 4–10)

This month we join with angels in celebrating the birth of Jesus with gatherings and parties, but did you know you attended an even bigger party long ago?

In Revelations 5 we read about the BIG event when Jesus accepted his role in becoming the redeemer of the world. There was no other man worthy (vs. 5) to carry out the plan of God. “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon” (vs.2-3). Only Christ, the Lamb, could do what had to be done.

After He accepted the world’s most sacred calling, the party began. 

“…elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials (bowls) full of odours (incense), which are the prayers of the saints” (vs. 8). They sang a new song. “And I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (vs. 8-12)

We were there. We chose Him. We were part of the party that danced and sang and rejoiced knowing the “incomprehensive magnitude” (President Nelson) of the moment. It began the first chapter of Christ’s birth, life, and death here on earth. And we knew there was no other way. “He condescended to come to earth to complete a feat that was literally lifesaving and life-changing for each person–something they could not do for themselves” (President Nelson).

What I love most, however, is that even in the crowd, His eyes were on me. He knows me and He knows you. Our dear prophet confirmed this in his Christmas message, “No one on this earth loves you as He does. No one here understands you better or really knows your sorrows and weaknesses. No one on earth has the power that Jesus Christ has. No one here is more eager for you to become everything you can become. No one pleads with the Father on your behalf as He does.” 

As you party this Christmas, remember He is the reason for the season. You chose Him once long ago, remember to choose Him again.