Joy And Glad Tidings By Nina Smit Sampl

The Radiance of God’s Glory

The prophet Isaiah prophesied the rising of a great light for Israel, which at the time had been plunged into figurative darkness. He linked the light to the birth of Jesus: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be on His shoulder” (verse 6, NKJV). 

God could and would change the lot of His people and bring them back from exile to their country. Isaiah was so certain of his prophecy that he wrote it in the past tense, as though it had already happened!

Luke writes that when Jesus was born, shepherds watching over their sheep that night were surprised by the bright light of an angel suddenly standing among them. No wonder they were afraid! 

But the angel reassured them; he told them not to be afraid: he was bringing them good news of great joy: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, NKJV). 

If you belong to Jesus, He strikes a light in your heart and makes you a light that reflects God’s glory. Paul testifies in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) that “all of us . . . reflect the glory of the Lord”—that is to say, we are changed to resemble Jesus forever.

Focus especially on the radiance of God’s glory when you celebrate Christmas with your family this year.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I am grateful, in this Christmas month, for being able to focus anew on the radiance of Your presence as I celebrate Christmastime. Amen.