December 25, 2021

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet . . . Revelation 12:1a

Throughout the ages, against all odds, God has always had a faithful people. This is not to say that Satan hasn’t succeeded in tripping people up, but rather to point toward the distinction between repentant ones and the unrepentant.

In this magnificent vision given to the apostle John, an old and familiar symbol is used: a woman. In John’s past, this symbol was established by the words of Scripture. But now, it is right before his eyes—bigger and more vivid than any imax cinematography we have ever seen at the movie theaters. John sees an enormous, great, beautiful woman. She is radiant with joy. She is pure, clothed with light, symbolizing the glory of God and the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The wording, clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet is a reminder who our Creator is. This beautiful woman is standing firmly upon the moon, designated in Scripture as the lesser light. Of course, the sun is the greater light. (see Genesis 1:16). In the Genesis account (and throughout the Old Testament) we see God’s faithful people of ancient times standing on the types and shadows which pointed toward the Savior to come. By faith, they reflected—like the moon reflects the sun—the light of the Savior Himself. He is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2).

Revelation 12 is a sweeping account of the history of the great controversy between good and evil. The use of symbols allows for a short, memorable account. We may wonder why events are not always laid out in chronological order. This is because we are under the influence of the modern, Western mind-set which often differs from the ancient way of describing events. Think of it as a newspaper headline followed by the article. The conclusion is laid out first, then the events which lead up to it are laid out. There is an overall chronology in Scripture, but there are also many reviews which are intended to highlight and expand our understanding of previously established precepts.

This beautiful woman, clothed in dazzling light, is the bride of the LORD throughout all the ages!

For your Maker is your Husband. The LORD of hosts is His name. And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth. Isaiah 54:5

“Return, O backsliding children,” says the LORD; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” Jeremiah 3:14

“I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.” Hosea 2:19-20