The Book of Revelation often gets a bad rap simply because it can be easily misunderstood and misinterpreted, yet some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, telling us about eternal life, can be found here. As we close today, I want to encourage you that Immanuel promises the pain and grief of this life will one day be forgotten in light of eternity. Faith will be rewarded and trust will be worth every doubt and struggle we overcome. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen to the words of God, given to us through the exiled apostle and prophet John.

(Revelation 21:1-7 NLT)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.

Did you hear it? God’s home is among His people. He will live with them. God Himself will be among them. Tears gone. No more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone … forever. And please, please hear these words … “Look, I am making everything new.” And with God, everything indeed means everything.

In this Christmas season, look for God. Live for Him. Know in your heart and your spirit that this day Revelation describes is coming for you. Listen again to these key phrases written for you.

Look, God’s home is now among his people!

He will wipe every tear from their eyes

Look, I am making everything new!

o all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life.

I will be their God, and they will be my children

I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End.

I want to encourage you to find today’s passage in your Bible or on an app and, when life gets tough, read this to remind you where you are headed. … Because of Immanuel—God with … you.

Pray with me: “Immanuel—God with us, with me, with you, thank You for not abandoning us, but coming to save us through Jesus. Thank You that a baby in a manger changed everything through a man on a cross. I invite You to come and be with me now and stay in my heart forever. Help me to make room for You always. As above, so below.”