3 December 2022

This Christmas season, I look for radiant light and bright colors.

But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. Hebrews 1: 2-3

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal. Revelation 21:10-11

The Radiance of His Humility: Christ’s first coming was purposefully humble. A baby, a manger scene, in the little town of Bethlehem. Christ came to serve. We hear Him say, “Follow Me.”

The Radiance of His Glory: Christ’s second coming will be in very bright glory. All will see His coming. He will come with power that will set all things right.

The Radiance of His Reign: He will be our perfect King. And the nations will bring their glory into the city.

The Radiance of His Kingdom: God sent Jesus to redeem a people, His Kingdom.

The Radiance of God’s Grace: God’s grace is a gift. For by grace you were saved through faith.

The Gems of God’s Gifts: There are many gifts in this world: rain, snow, sunshine, fertile land, streams, mountains, families, friends… Of course, the greatest gift is Jesus.

The Gems of the New Jerusalem: The New Jerusalem will be our home. The adornment of the city will shine bright. Here is an invitation. The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” Revelation 22: 17

Rather than focusing on all the tragedies, for a season, let’s look to the radiance of Christ and the jewel of His greatest gift, eternal life with Him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16