On April 8, 2024, many of us had the privilege of see the rare and spectacular event of a total solar eclipse. In order to watch this, we needed to have special glasses – a filter – so that we didn’t burn our retinas out. The brilliance of the sun, even when shielded partially by the moon, will literally destroy us.
Moses asked to see God’s glory, but God (yes, God!) told him that no one could see the face of God and live.
I remember hearing this analogy at a young age, learning that just as the radiance of the sun can harm us, the glory of our God will destroy us if we were to ever see it directly.
But John says something different as he begins his gospel. He says, “We have seen his glory…. full of grace and truth.” Because God became flesh in Jesus, His glory was something we could see and not die. In the second verse of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Charles Wesley puts it this way: “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity!” This flesh, this humanity of Christ isn’t something we have to try to look past to see the glory of God. It’s the filter that allows us to see it! Through Jesus, God’s brilliance and wisdom, His love and humility, His goodness and grace – and every other quality – becomes visible.
But it’s more than just visible from across time and space. It’s here and close. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Literally, He set up his tent right beside us. He moved into the neighbourhood. In the words of Tim Keller, “.” (Tim Keller – The Meaning of Christmas, sermon 2011)
As you celebrate Christmas today, may your home be blessed with good music, food, gifts, and spending time with loved ones. And if you find yourself physically alone today, may you know His promise that you are never alone. Jesus came to earth so that all who believe in Him will never be alone again. He is with you, now. Even as you read these words. His Spirit is with you.
Merry Christmas!
