Our family nativity is missing a figurine. We have Joseph, Mary and the baby, Jesus. Where is the dragon? It should be just off to the side, mouth open, ready to devour. We should all put dragons in our nativity scenes to more accurately explain the dread conflict began in Genesis 3. After we read Matthew 1 and Luke 2 we should read Revelation 12. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. (Revelation 12:1-5) Those of us who follow Christ are assured we have and will finally overcome the dragon. Yet, we remain caught up in this dread combat until Christ returns in Victory (Revelation 12:6-17).
The Beast and the Harlot feast on the flesh and drink the blood of the Saints, but in Christ we overcome. Satan moved Gentiles and Jews, Pilate, Herod and Judas Iscariot to murder the Son of God, but God sovereignly completed this ultimate Passover with Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. Herod slaughtered Rachel’s children, but by visions and Magi, God brought His Son safely into and out of Egypt. Romans, Greeks, Persians, Babylonians and Assyrians tried to crush the Jewish people and circumvent the rise of Shiloh, the Lamb of Judah, Son of David, but God preserved and prospered His servant. Philistine oppression was stymied by God’s kings. Canaan’s idolatry was spoiled by God’s prophets. Balaam’s deception was exposed by God’s priests. Pharaoh’s genocide was spoiled by God’s midwives. Famine, barren wombs, fratricide were all answered by God’s providence, miracle and protection. Cain murdered Abel, but God gave Eve Seth. Satan murdered Adam, but God gave us Christ. The Dragon is thrown down. The Christ is exalted high.
-Merry Christmas
