What happens when our expectations are high, but then they are not realized? Consider a child who has high hopes to receive a certain gift, only to be disappointed when the gift is opened. When you look at the prophecies of the Old Testament regarding the coming of Jesus Christ, one would rightfully expect a King who would rule the nations. For example, Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” The book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ in referencing the birth of Christ, alludes to this high expectation of Jesus ruling the nations. Revelation 12:5 states, “She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.” If all we had was this verse, then viewing Christmas through the lens of Revelation would be a big disappointment. Jesus who was to rule the nations, didn’t fulfill that when He came to earth the first time. And now Jesus has been caught up to His throne.

Thankfully we have more than this one verse in Revelation regarding Christ’s first coming. And there are two powerful perspectives that the final book of the Scriptures encourage us with as we celebrate Christ’s first coming. First, the purpose of Christ’s first come was to be a sacrificial lamb. Just because Christ didn’t rule the nations during His first coming doesn’t mean that His first coming was without a purpose. The primary description of Jesus Christ in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. Twenty-nine times in The Revelation the word “lamb” is used to describe Christ. The reason why Jesus came to the earth nearly 2,000 years ago was to give His life as the sacrificial lamb, a ransom for many. Revelation 5:9 describes the Lamb as the one who has “redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” As you celebrate Christmas this year remember that the reason Jesus Christ came into the world was to seek and save that which was lost. He came as the Lamb of God to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins!

The other perspective that we ought to have as we celebrate Christmas is that Jesus Christ still has some unfinished business to fulfill. Just because Christ didn’t rule all nations with a rod of iron at His first coming doesn’t mean that He will not do that. Revelation 19, which is a climax chapter in the book, shows Jesus Christ being revealed as He comes again to this earth. On His thigh and on His robe the name, “KING of KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” will be written and He Himself will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15-16). As we celebrate Christmas, our perspective is to be looking forward to the day when Christ will come again to this earth and we will rule and reign with Him! “The Child who was born was to rule all nations” (Revelation 12:5). Don’t be disappointed because that didn’t happen when He came the first time, instead keep your expectations high. It is true He is coming again and He will rule all nations! Have a blessed Christmas worshiping Christ the Lamb and the coming King of kings and Lord of lords!