Unveiling the Apocalypse: Is Christmas More Violent Than We Think?
What if the Christmas story isn’t as peaceful as we’ve made it, but actually a cosmic battle between good and evil? In this message from Robyn Elliott, we explore Revelation 12 and uncover a second perspective of Christmas. While a baby is born on earth, a cosmic battle unfolds in the heavens. This message challenges how we see God, suffering, and the deeper reality behind our world, and reminds us of the hope that holds it all together: God wins.
Discussion Questions:
1. When you think of the Christmas story, what images or emotions come to mind, and how does Revelation 12 challenge or expand that?
2. Why do you think we prefer the peaceful version of Christmas over a more cosmic, conflict-filled one?
3. The message suggests there’s more happening “behind the scenes” in our world—how do you respond to that idea?
4. What are some modern-day masks of evil that might appear good or noble at first glance?
5. How can we learn to discern the “signature of evil” versus the character of God revealed in Jesus?
6. If Jesus shows us what God is like, how does the image of the “slaughtered lamb” reshape our understanding of power?
7. Why is it important that God wins not through force, but through sacrifice and the cross?
8. How have you personally wrestled with the reality of evil or suffering in your life or the world?
9. What does it practically look like to “conquer evil by being the body of Christ” in everyday life?
10. John’s message is essentially “hold on; God wins.” How do you hold onto hope when evil feels like it’s everywhere? What helps you hold onto hope when life feels overwhelming? What does hope actually look like in those moments?
Resources:
BOOKS:
Bauckham, Richard, The Theology of the Book of Revelation
Duncan, Jeremy, Upside Down Apocalypse
Gorman, Michael, Reading Revelation Responsibly
McKnight, Scot, Revelation for the Rest of Us
Peterson, Eugene, Reversed Thunder
Sprinkle, Preston, Exiles
Whitaker, Robyn, Revelation for Normal People
Wood, Shane, Thinning the Veil
Zahnd, Brian, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God
Zahnd, Brian, The Wood Between the Worlds
PODCASTS & LECTURES
Boyd, Greg, Woodland Hills Church sermon series beginning 2023 09 17
Whitaker, Robyn, Bible for Normal People podcast, Ep 259
Witherington, Ben III, Seven Minute Seminary series, Youtube
Wood, Shane, Ozark Christian College Lectures https://www.shanejwood.com/the-book-of-revelation/
Wright, N. T., Youtube Lectures