That the World May Know
While this Christmas Season has had a few less shopping/getting ready/cram-it-all-in days than usual, I find myself more taken, more excited, more anticipatory than normal. Perhaps it has been the focus on Glory and the opportunity to remember that in a world of impeachment, of suffering, of wars, of so much banality; there is something that is truly transcendent! And the glory of the Lord shone around them ...
Perhaps it is the thought for this Sunday that is capturing my heart. This Sunday we will allow our hearts to be pricked with the idea that this Glory has been shared with us, that we may live it out that the world may know the One who was sent by the Father: The glory that you have given me (Jesus) I have given to them (disciples/us), that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me (John 17:22–23).
Or maybe it is this overwhelmingly wondrous truth that we will be savoring Christmas Eve, namely, that because Jesus came as the Savior of the world we are promised an entrance into the eternal Glory forever. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, [25] to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen (Jude 24–25).
Friends, the glory, majesty, dominion and authority of the Peasant King born in a stable truly transforms our world and brings color to our view of it. May your hearts be full and may the joy of the Lord be your strength!