Devotion 2: Christmas Dragon

When we think of Christmas, we often picture peaceful nativity scenes, soft candlelight, and a silent night. However, what if I told you that Christmas was actually a battlefield and that behind the manger, there was a cosmic war unfolding? 

Revelation 12:3-4 gives us a glimpse into this unseen battle, “And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.” 

This is no ordinary Christmas story. It is the behind-the-scenes reality of what happened when Jesus came into the world. The “great red dragon” is Satan, and from the moment Christ was born, the enemy was on the attack. Herod’s massacre of infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16) was not just political paranoia; it was a demonic assault. However, Satan did not succeed. God protected Jesus, and the plan of redemption moved forward. 

Fast forward to today. The battle is not over. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” 

Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger; it is about a King who came to wage war against the powers of darkness. As His followers, we are part of this spiritual melee. 

So, what do we do? Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:13-17 to put on the full “armor of God.” We do not fight with swords or shields but with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. We stand firm, knowing that Christ has already won the ultimate victory. The Dragon could not stop Him then, and he will not stop Him now. 

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us remember that it is more than a peaceful scene. It is the declaration of God’s victory over the enemy. The battle rages on, but we fight from a place of victory. 

Melee at the manger? Absolutely. However, the King has come, and the Dragon has already lost.