The Christmas Behind the Curtain

In Week 1 of An Apocalyptic Advent, we step behind the curtain of our familiar holiday imagery and see Christmas the way Scripture reveals it in Revelation 12. Instead of a quiet barn and a peaceful manger, God shows us a woman in labor, a child about to be born, and a dragon waiting to devour Him the moment He enters the world. As a church family, we explore how this apocalyptic vision—this divine unveiling—reframes Christmas not as sentimental escape but as the decisive invasion of God’s kingdom into a world at war.

We see that Advent begins in the groaning, with God’s people crying out in the darkness for rescue. The woman clothed with the sun represents Israel—and Mary as her fulfillment—bearing centuries of longing for the Messiah. Advent, then, invites us to name our ache rather than numb it. It is the season for the weary, the burdened, and the honest.

We also see the dragon exposed—the spiritual enemy behind the powers, pressures, and injustices that oppose Christ’s reign. Scripture unmasks our real battle, reminding us that our enemy is not flesh and blood but the ancient serpent who wages war on God’s people.

Yet the birth of Jesus declares victory. Revelation compresses Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension into one triumphant movement: the Child is enthroned, the dragon is defeated, and God nourishes His people even in the wilderness.

As we begin this series, we see Christmas not as a comforting distraction but as a courageous proclamation: the Light has entered the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Together we learn to wake up, to resist the lies of the enemy, and to anchor our hope in the One who rules all nations.

For more on Revelation 12, check out David Shaw’s article ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Revelation 12 and Spiritual Warfare’ at TGC.