Day 16 – Revelation 21 verses 1 – 5 (Tears Fall)
Bible Reading – Revelation 21 verses 1 – 5
21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Opening Prayer
Loving God, we pray that you will draw us close to you today. That as we walk our Advent journey, we may see the promise you have made. That there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Help us to see, that through the coming of Jesus and the power of your Holy Spirit you are preparing us for your coming. Opening our eyes to the wondrous vision of a time when we will no longer experience the trials and pains of our earthly lives. Help us always remember that your words are trustworthy and true. Amen.
Reflection
Although I started to write today’s song a little while ago, I only had the impetus to finish it as part of this set of songs. So, I have included it.
Our passage today is one of the ultimate hope of Advent and the coming of Jesus.
That at some undetermined time there will be an end to our tears, death, mourning and pain.
When that time comes we will live in the way God intends us to.
Not only that but God will live with us. No longer a distant thing of awesome mystery but present with us.
As we look forward to the coming of Jesus in Advent we also look forward to the coming of that day when Jesus will return. The day when we too will experience the new heaven and new earth. Hallelujah.
A time for your own reflection
Read the passage again and spend a little time thinking of how the passage speaks to you. The wonder of scripture is that there is always something new to discover and each passage speaks to us in our own need and circumstances.
Only if you feel you want to – share your thoughts with someone. God inspires our thoughts and you never know, the person you share with may be waiting to hear what you have to say.
Song
Here is the next song –
“Tears Falling”
As I said earlier, I started writing this sometime ago. At a session where we were talking about suffering and pain in the world and in our own lives. I wanted to express my own belief that even in those times God is with us sharing with us. People often use the pain and suffering of the world as a reason not to believe in God. However, if God was to remove all of our pain and suffering. Much of which is caused by our own humanity’s “sins” we would lose our divine right to make our own choices. I don’t know if God suffers when he sees the mess we make of things and when we suffer because of others but as a parent it is difficult to think that he would not join with us in our pain and suffering. I also wanted to emphasise that although God is with us it does not mean that whatever it is will be “fixed”. I do not subscribe to the “pray hard enough and you will be cured / restored / rich etc… Rather that even with God present with us our tears may still fall. I do, however, absolutely believe that we are given comfort in all of the situations we find ourselves in.
Words: Chris Hancock
Inspiration: Revelation 21 verses 1 – 5
Music: Generated on Suno.com
[Verse 1]
Watching tears falling
Carving paths from eyes
Deep pain in the wrinkles
That fill as you cry
[Chorus]
I am always with you
Your pain is also mine
I will wrap my love around you
And share precious time
[Verse 3]
I will bring you comfort
Though tears may still fall
For you are my children
I, the God of all.
[Chorus]
I am always with you
Your pain is also mine
I will wrap my love around you
And share precious time
Prayer
Lord our God, today we look deeply into the culmination of your precious story. The glory of the new heaven and new earth created to fulfil your justice and truth.
We thank you, that in the midst of our lives you give us joy on earth even in those times when we suffer times of pain and anguish.
Your promise is to make all things new and that is the source of our hope which you have called us to. Help us to remain faithful to your calling on our lives.
Take our words and actions, use them to express your love to those who are suffering. In body, mind or spirit.
We praise you, for you have already done great things for us. Jesus – the Light of the world is coming. Help us to reflect his light in our lives so that others may come to know you through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. Let us not forget that your words are trustworthy and true and one day we will see you face to face. Amen.
Copyrights
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Songs
Words of the songs are by Chris Hancock
Music generated on Suno.com
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Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV)
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