While I was watching, thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His attire was white like snow; the hair of his head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was ablaze with fire and its wheels were all aflame.
A river of fire was streaming forth and proceeding from his presence. Many thousands were ministering to him; Many tens of thousands stood ready to serve him. The court convened and the books were opened.
Then I kept on watching because of the arrogant words of the horn that was speaking. I was watching until the beast was killed and its body destroyed and thrown into the flaming fire. As for the rest of the beasts, their ruling authority had already been removed, though they were permitted to go on living for a time and a season.
I was watching in the night visions, And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed.
There are a lot of times when Jesus calls Himself the “Son of Man.” It’s obvious that He is referring to Himself when He says that, but what does it mean?
He is referring back to this passage where Daniel had a vision during the night of the Almighty God, the people and angels all around Him, and the ONE that came out and received all of God’s power and authority.
The Ancient of Days, Holy and Powerful (I feel like I have to just keep capitalizing everything here!) gave His authority, honor, and sovereignty to the Son of Man. His throne shines like fire. Its wheels (?!) are aflame. A river of fire comes out of His presence and there are thousands and thousands of people and angels waiting to serve Him.
That is the God that we serve and the Savior that has saved us. As you read the Gospels around Christmastime, remember that this is what that little Lord Jesus looks like. He’s asleep in the hay, but He’s also the Son of Man with thousands waiting to serve Him from His radiant throne.