The New Creation

Revelation 21:1-4 (NASB) 2020 edition

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.
2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying,
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

REFLECTION

The revelation given to John on the island of Patmos is one of the glories of the Christian Church. It has not only sustained the people of God in every time of trial and tribulation, but it has also given a wonderful vision of the coming day of the Lord, when he will reveal to all creation a “new heaven and a new earth.” Thinking about what that will be like leads the faithful to their knees. It will be wonderful beyond all we have known, or can fully imagine, because the “former things [will] have passed away. What we do know is that in that day there will be “death no more” for those who love him. What joy fills the longing heart as this Advent brings us so close to the remembrance of his birth, and the promise of the finishing of his new creation.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope of a new heaven and earth. As we celebrate Your birth, fill our hearts with joy as we long for Your return. Help us live in the light of this promise, sharing Your gospel with others. Amen.

Written by the Rev. Canon dr. Jon C. Shuler, Servant General Emeritus and Prior, NAMS Georgetown.