Jesus.
The radiance of God’s glory. The exact expression of His nature. He sustains all things by His powerful word. (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Radiance, cloaked. Hidden. In the womb of a young woman named Mary.
And there, the One who knits us together is knit together. Formed. Protected. Nourished.
And the time comes. Always anticipated, yet surprising. Sudden. Arriving with birth pangs. Labor.
And unto us a Child is born. Unto us a Son is given.
A star rises
The Creator of the universe struggles through the confines of the birth canal.
And a star rises in the night sky. Drawing the attention of those who study patterns of the heavens.
Radiance proclaims His coming.
And the wisemen start their journey. Following the star. To find this king of the Jews. Announced by the universe. (Matthew 2:1-12)
Radiance illuminating
At their humble shelter in Bethlehem, Mary wraps the newborn Son of God. Swaddling Him in strips of common cloth. And lays him in a manger. A feeding trough.
In the same region, shepherds are out in the fields. Under the stars. Keeping watch over their flocks at night.
Suddenly, radiance. Illuminating the darkness.
And the angel of the Lord stands right there. In the field. While the glory of the Lord surrounds and terrifies them.
After the angelic announcement of the Messiah’s birth, praise explodes. Radiance multiplies. A multitude of the heavenly host. Saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors” (Luke 2:14)
And the shepherds run. Hurrying to the city of David. Seeking and finding the Savior who is Christ the Lord.
Prophecy
Before the birth of Jesus, John is born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. And Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies. His words speak the truth and shine with the promise.
“Because of our God’s merciful compassion
the dawn from on high will visit us
to shine on those who lives in darkness
and the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(Luke 1:78-79)
Radiance.
The Son of God rising.
Removing the shadow.
Teaching us His way.
The way of peace.
Alleluia!
Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world.
Anyone who follows me
will never walk in the darkness
but will have
the light of life.”
John 8:12
What about you?
Where else in Scripture do you see the radiance of God’s glory recounted? How will you celebrate the Light of the world at Christmas?
Related posts
Expectation – Christmas: the time came – How can this be? – Walking, we wait – Waiting, we worship – Immanuel: God with us – Christmas Eve shamiana –
7 replies on “Radiance”
Have been in a Bible study of the gospel of John, and talking about Jesus proclaiming: I am the Light of the World. What they only had glimpses of through festivals and scripture, he was fulfilling before their eyes. Those who walk in darkness have seen a great light–that light is Jesus. Such an amazing thought. I also love the idea of how through the Holy Spirit he illuminates our minds as we read His Word. Jesus is all about the light, even in the midst of our darkest days. Thanks so much, Susan for sharing.
Oh, I love these insights, sister! Thank you for sharing.
Yes!!! The guidance and anchor of Radiance! Thank you again Susan! Thankful to God for you!
Thanks, sister. Thankful for you!
I shared a video of the song “This Little Light of Mine” in church yesterday. The message is powerful – Jesus is the light and I’m gonna let HIM shine! (By Listener Kids if you want to see it) It showed a light moving through a dark street and then two more lights joined in…more brightness! The Christmas season is the perfect chance to share with most people. I’m praying for bright lights!!
I always think of this verse with radiance
Heb. 1:3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
I also think of glory with the word radiance.
Thank you for sharing, Jul. I like that translation: “exact imprint”😊