advent reading 24.

Revelation 5:1-14
John reveals the glory of the completed work of Christ—the exalted Lamb of God.

Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”  And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it.  And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,  the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with  seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne.  And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb,  each holding a harp, and  golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  And they sang  a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll

and to open its seals,

for  you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God

from every tribe and language and people and nation,

and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

and they shall reign on the earth.”

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering  myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard  every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures  said, “Amen!” and the elders  fell down and worshiped.

Yesterday was a great day :)  We went to the gym together, had lunch together, went to the pool with a bunch of other people together, and then J made me my favorite meal for dinner: Eggplant Parmesan!  It was so awesome, and wonderfully delicious - I was so excited that he wanted to do that for me :)  He also finished another book [he started reading on Sunday] and I finished another book [that I started months ago - ha!]  Oh, the differences between us sometimes ;)  Anyway, I'm so grateful that he is finally feeling so much better - AND so grateful that apparently the antibiotics were what he needed!  Praise the Lord :)  Anyway, today is bagel-making-and-laundry day, so I'm not sure what else will happen.  J is going fishing tonight with our friend Phil, and he is very excited about that.  I can stay home for that, though - not exactly my cuppa tea ;) Glad there is another man here who appreciates those things!  Maybe I will start and finish a book just to show I can do it, too :)  Much love to all!

BTW, I love this blog that I follow [some woman in the states somewhere] but I think I share her affinity for wanting to feel and cherish more things in life.  Anyway, here is a little blog she wrote about Christmas...and since it couldn't feel less like Christmas where we are in the world, I am living vicariously through her and others that post about cold weather, warm fires, holiday parties, and the general sweetness that Christmastime brings - all ultimately pointing to our precious Savior.  Enjoy!