Would you be surprised to find out that the first few chapters of Revelation are linked to the Christmas story?
This time of year, Christians eagerly anticipate the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as a newborn baby. We also eagerly look to His Second Coming where He will first appear to the righteous in Adam-ondi-Ahman, then in New Jerusalem, then to the Jews in Jerusalem, and then finally to all mankind: “For behold, he cometh in the clouds with ten thousands of His saints in the kingdom, clothed with the glory of his Father. And every eye shall see him…” (Revelation 1:7, JST)
While no one knows when He will come we still look for signs, just as those did anciently for the baby Jesus. And, while some of the signs we will see may involve stars in the heavens, other signs are more visible all around us. They have been specifically linked to the disintegration of the family unit by prophets, seers and revelators:
“We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.”
While the world will continue to manifest great wickedness in the years preceding the Savior’s return, we have a living prophet who teaches us about the powerful blessings that are given to faithful people:
“My dear brothers and sisters, so many wonderful things are ahead. In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time he returns ‘with power and great glory,’ he will bestow countless privileges, blessings and miracles upon the faithful.”
Just as the shepherds of ancient days were told to not be afraid, we have been given good news and glad tidings of miracles, blessings, and privileges by a prophet of God as we anticipate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Art: Kirt Harmon