An ancient legend tells of a general whose army was afraid to fight. The soldiers were frightened. The enemy was too strong. Their fortress was too high and the weapons too mighty. The king, however, was not afraid. He knew his men would win. How could he convince them? He had an idea. He told his soldiers that he possessed a magical coin. A prophetic coin. A coin which would foretell the outcome of the battle. On one side was an eagle and on the other side up, they would win. If it landed with the bear up, they would lose. The army was silent as the coin was flipped in the air. Soldiers circled as it fell to the ground. They held their breath as they looked and shouted when they saw the eagle. The army would win. Bolstered by the assurance of victory, the men marched against the castle and won. It was only after the victory that the king showed the men the coin. The two sides were identical. Though the story is fictional, the truth is reliable, assured victory empowers the army. That may be the reason God gives us the Book of Revelation. In it he assures victory. We, the soldiers are privileged a glimpse into the final battlefield. All hell breaks loose as all heaven comes forth. The two collide in the ultimate battle of good and evil. Left standing amidst the smoke and thunder is the Son of God. Jesus, born in a manger - now triumphant over Satan. Satan is defeated. Christ is triumphant, and we, the soldiers, are assured of victory. Let us march.