War in the Heavens

On June 6th, 1944, Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Northern France in a crucial World War II battle known as D-Day. Despite heavy casualties, they dislodged the Axis strongholds and the reality of an inevitable Allied victory set in. Even with good reason to celebrate, the “celebration heard ’round the world” marking the end of WWII would not occur for another 11 months.

In thinking about Genesis 3:15, I picture Christmas as God’s D-Day invasion. For centuries prior to Christ’s arrival, no word from God was recorded in the Old Testament. Satan seemed to have full reign. Would the Messiah ever actually come?

Though God seemed to remain silent for over 400 years, He was making preparation for Jesus to come at just the right time. Jesus’ birth in the manger marked the beginning of the end, which God foreknew before creation. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, the outcome of this spiritual war is inevitable. But its full realization has not yet come.

And so it is fitting and right to celebrate the arrival of our King on Christmas. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work" (1 John 3:8b).

We may celebrate Christmas now with gritted teeth, and even sorrow. Yet there is coming a day when every enemy, including death, will be put under Christ’s feet finally and completely. And in that day, with the destruction of Satan, sin, and death complete, the rejoicing in heaven and on earth will be unmatched in all of human history.

King Jesus, you are the King of Kings. You know our susceptibility to sin is great. Remind us, when we are tempted, that we are free. When we sin, remind us that we’re no longer slaves to that sin. Remind us that this susceptibility shall not always be so. And remind us to rejoice because the victory is yours. Amen.

Go Deeper — What stronghold does the enemy hold in your life right now? In this Christmas season, pray for Christ to invade enemy territory to the end that He may shine more brightly in and through your life.

Read Further — Are you finding it hard to feel joyful this Christmas? This article, Turn Christmas Upside Down might give you new insight.