SCRIPTURE: And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception). John 1:14 AMP
The first advent of Jesus brought a lot of light into the world, but many people missed it. Light is helpful, even miraculous the way it exposes everything — from the beautiful, to the mundane, to the downright evil. Journey with author and blogger Amy Clemens as she explores the advent of one who said he was the light of the world…a light that shines in darkness…that exposes. A light that will make a second advent, with a power and glory no one will miss.
THOUGHT: Exodus 33:20 recounts a conversation where Moses asks to see God’s glory and God responds, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Instead, God tells Moses of his character while Moses hides behind a rock.
Here, John was undone at the miracle of actually having seen God’s glory right in front of him. No longer was it so hidden and mysterious – and if we care to come out from behind our various rocks, we will see it too. God, unveiled. Paul would later tell the Corinthians that God, “who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6 NLT).”
So what does that glory look like? John says it is full of grace (undeserved favor) and truth (free of deception.) When you and I visit with Jesus, we 1) don’t have to come afraid or ashamed, because there is favor in his face and heart toward us, and 2) we can anticipate that we will only and ever hear the truth from him – the truth, without malice. We may not always like it, but whatever Jesus says won’t be said to condemn us, but to bring us life. This is God, unveiled, making his holiness, full of grace and truth, available to us. God with us. Immanuel.
PRAYER: What you couldn’t reveal because we would die if you did, you have shown us in Jesus, Oh Great God. Your face toward us, full of grace and truth. Mercifully hidden before (to save our lives), but unveiled now as we look at and learn from him (to save our lives). Make us more aware of this miracle as we walk through Advent this year.
Dear Reader,
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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