There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven; but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else. C.S. Lewis

One of my particular joys at the end of each year is the final reading in my One Year Bible—the last chapter of the last book.

Ah, the Book of Revelation. Wild, vivid, mysterious, filled with scenes of cataclysm and apocalypse beyond the scope of even the most talented CGI designers. Many of us have a timid relationship with this book. Reading it can make one feel like a cosmic decoding device is needed, something to anchor us to place and time.

Is this passage past, present, future? Will those fantastic beings actually be seen, or are they archetypes of divine design? What? What? I still respond some mornings, even after 24 years of reading through my beloved OYB.

But, Chapter 21 is a reward, a deep sigh of pleasure, a bright light of hope and expectation to cast upon the New Year. The scenes are beautifully expressed and my heart can’t help but fill with joy.

•  A river of water of life spilling from the throne of God and of the Lamb, clear as crystal. Believers have been filled with that water of life through Jesus here on earth. This scene, with the trees and the fruits and the leaves and no more curse, moves the mind into next level gloriousness.
• We will see His face. Not hidden, not shadowed, not through a glass darkly. As He is.
• No more night. No sun. Why? The Lamb will be the light.
• Believers will reign forever, although, let’s be clear, the reigning is not the main thing. Being in the presence of the Lord God forever is.

So, this year:

• on those days when a dream has come true
• or some unexpectedly good thing has happened
• everyone is healthy and/or reasonably happy and you have a sense of well-being. . .

remember that those days are a infinitesimal taste of Good to come. Lift your spirit toward heaven and ponder that truth a moment.

Or when:

• a dream has been crushed
• some unexpectedly terrible thing has happened
• illness or disappointment or attack of horrible anxiety threatens. . .

those days, those experiences are part of the journey, certainly. But their memory will not linger beyond Chapter 21. Lift your spirit toward heaven and remember: This is not all there is.

I confess to becoming a bit emotional each year as the chapter comes to an end:

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’ and let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Surely I am coming quickly.

Do we, as Lewis wonders, desire anything else? I hope that in this new year you will, from time to time, hit the “refresh” button on Chapter 21. Let its assurance and promise lift your spirits, bless your endeavors, and fill you with delight.

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.