When Jesus returns to finish making all things new, “harming and being harmed will be eternally eliminated. Destroying and destruction won’t be found anywhere in the new heaven and new earth, for all creation will be full of God’s glory and people who know and love the Lord—even as the sea is full of water.” Paraphrase of Isaiah 11:9
Lord Jesus, what do I want for Christmas 2025? Everything promised and guaranteed in this one verse. The Day when all enmity and strife, violence and destruction give way a culture of kindness, affection, curiosity. Frolicking will replace stalking and devouring among animals. Praying Mantises might actually pray not prey.
But I/we long a million times—make that a gazillion times more for the eternal Day when the entire, impossible-to-count, family of God will each love each other as you love us, Jesus. How diverse will we be? We’ll know, love, and enjoy our brothers and sisters from every people group and nation that has ever existed. No nation will seek to be first, because we will finally and fully seek first your Kingdom. We will reveal your righteousness in every thought, word, and thing we do, and in every relationship we have.
Political parties will be replaced with Gospel parties. Boundaries will become bridges. Gates will be as open as hearts. No one will be used or sold, only championed and cherished. There won’t be any more spite, fight, freeze, or flight—no more selfishness, racism, or tribalism. It will be impossible for us to harm anyone or be harmed. We’ll never misspeak, miss-hear, or “miss” anyone’s heart. Thank you, Jesus. Until that Day, grant us kinder hearts, eyes of grace, quicker repentances, and increase our love for you tenfold. So Very Amen.
