Revelation 21: 1 – 3
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer existed. And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And from the throne, I heard a loud voice that said, “Look! God’s dwelling is with people. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to catch a glimpse of what will be. We look around us, and this will all be gone. The new heaven and earth will be even more splendid because you will live with us, and we will live with you. This world we currently wander with great anticipation to the day when we will be in heaven with you. However, when we think about this, we realize that we have done nothing deserving to get us into heaven; our entrance is because of the one who came to dwell with us, your Son, Jesus. Our sins separate us from you and cause a great divide that no human could ever get across alone, but your Son crossed that great divide, becoming part of your created order. He lived the perfect life and then died an innocent death for us, and through his salvational work, he forgave us all our sins. Forgiveness is for all people and comes to whoever believes in Jesus, that by believing, we receive your gifts of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life—we are restored to you. By trusting in what Jesus has done, we also trust in you; you are our God.
Lord, we pilgrim this earth with great anticipation, ready to head to our heavenly home to be with you. However, while we are here, give us the courage and strength to share the good news of repentance and forgiveness with someone who does not know Jesus so that they will believe in him and also enjoy their heavenly home. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Remember looking forward to Christmas with great anticipation; God gave us the greatest gift we could ever receive—our Savior. Look with even more excitement for Christ’s second coming; to witness the new Jerusalem. Through faith in Jesus, heaven is your home.