Christmas is more than the story of a baby born in a manger—it is the declaration of victory over the forces of darkness. In Revelation 12, we see not just the birth of Christ, but the triumphant victory of the Child who was born to rule the nations. This heavenly perspective reveals the full meaning of Christmas: the conquering of sin, death, and Satan himself.

 

Revelation 12:5 says, “She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.” This verse captures the entire arc of Jesus’ life, ministry, and ultimate victory in a single sentence. It points to His incarnation, His mission, His triumph over the grave, and His ascension to His rightful place at the throne of God. This Child wasn’t just born to be adored; He was born to reign.

 

The victory of Jesus began with His birth, but it didn’t end there. From the moment He entered the world, His purpose was clear—to defeat the power of sin and to crush the works of the devil. Satan’s attempts to destroy Jesus at birth, in the wilderness, and even on the cross all failed. Every attack became another step toward His ultimate triumph.

 

Consider the cross. What looked like defeat was, in fact, the greatest victory. Jesus willingly laid down His life, bearing the weight of our sin and satisfying the justice of God. When He cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He was declaring the defeat of sin and death. Three days later, His resurrection shattered any lingering hope Satan had of victory. The Child who was born to rule had risen, and death could not hold Him.

 

Paul captures this beautifully in Colossians 2:15, saying, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.” Jesus’ victory wasn’t quiet or uncertain—it was a complete and public triumph over every force of darkness. The enemy’s power was stripped away, and the Child took His rightful place as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

And this victory is not just Jesus’ victory; it is our victory, too. Through faith in Christ, we share in His triumph. We are no longer slaves to sin, fear, or the schemes of the enemy. We are more than conquerors because of the victory won by the Child in the manger (Romans 8:37). The same Savior who crushed the serpent’s head now reigns as our advocate and our defender.

 

Revelation 12 reminds us that the battle continues, but it also assures us of the outcome. Though Satan still wages war against God’s people, his defeat is certain. The Child who was born, the Son who ascended, will one day return in glory to establish His kingdom in full. As Revelation 11:15 declares, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”

 

This Christmas, let’s remember that we don’t celebrate a sentimental story—we celebrate a victorious Savior. The baby in the manger is the conquering King who secured our eternal redemption. His victory is complete, and because of Him, we stand victorious, too.