Our First Christmas in Heaven

I don't know if many people trouble themselves with some aspects of the coming of God's kingdom as much as I do. I get antsy as I anticipate what the Lord of Creation has planned for those who love Him.

God and His Angels Enthroned on High in the Heavens

I try to visualize the sky splitting as the redeemed are taken out of the tribulation, and the dead in Christ leading throngs, tribes and all kinds of people singing "Our God is an Awesome God, He reigns from Heaven above," as we approach Heaven's gates.

Our hearts will pour out in song at God's faithfulness to His promise, knowing that it is finally over. Then, as we march in front of the reviewing stand seeking to catch the eye of loved ones gone before, we will have begun our first day in Heaven.

After the first day and the presentation to the throne of God of the -- New Song, that the redeemed will sing of the Lamb who was slain, I try to imagine the name of that new song and even the words, but I am not able.

Then, I think about the first Christmas in Heaven.

Some would disagree and say that this holiday is not needed or that time will be no more, but I believe that we will celebrate the things that glorify our Lord according to season.

The Revelation of John refers always to Jesus as the Lamb of God. There is great significance to that because the theme of Heaven is that we were purchased with His blood and we are a possession of His. We will have constant knowledge that we are His bride and that He chose us from the foundation of the world. Our gratefulness will increase the more He reveals to us, and for the reason He died to make it all possible, is the reason that He came.

Imagine this:

The Heavenly music is muted somewhat as the angels begin to gather. The great light, which is from the throne--changes. Still bright but taking on a royal glow and now shimmering as the word comes forth from the Father "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

Then the angels sing in beauty like we have never heard before, a song that is new to us.

At least, the words are new: the feeling of the song is familiar like Christmas carols we sang when the real Christmas spirit finally washed over us. But the words reflect the birth of the Christ-Child from the point of Heaven's view.

The verse tells of joy the Lord had, now that the time had finally come when He could walk among those He loved, and show them the way to God's forgiveness. Being born unto men, he could give revelation of Himself and leave the same which is the word.

Then the verse:

"What great love He had, that He should leave this place, What great love He had...

Then, after some singing and great joy, joy unspeakable,

The Christ of Christmas walks into view and there is a clap offering given that is thunderous in Heaven, even echoing throughout the Universe. It seems unending and The One on the Throne is pleased. Then the praise and laughing becomes contagious among the Bride of Christ.

That kind of laughing will seem interesting to us at first, but we quickly realize that it is normal because of the great happiness that comes after the curse if lifted. The season of celebration has been so wonderful and so free of what Christmas once was, that we are afraid it might end.

Then comes; a distraction of the gift of a new revelation of Himself that He kept special for us till this time. It is nearly too much to take in, for us who are so new to Heaven. Soon we are eating a new fruit and counting the months until the next time we can celebrate CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN.

When you make Him your Lord and Savior, you'll feel the release that forgiveness gives.

But whatever you do, don't let an empty faith or anything short of the salvation that He died to give you, keep you from a very special

CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN.

Christmas Lights Shine Over a Street

Tom Buttram, all posters