December 24
The Son Is the Radiance of God’s Glory
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
Who can resist a baby? Its smile captivates. Its warmth invites. You just want to hold it.
Simeon too wanted to hold a baby, but a very special baby. He trembled when he took that child in his arms. When he looked into the child’s face, he confessed, “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30).
He saw because the Spirit opened his eyes. Stirred by that same Spirit, he recalled the ancient blessing: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
In a way Simeon had never dreamed of, the Lord had enlarged that blessing. In this child, the Lord had turned his face toward him and shined on him. What generations had waited for he had held and seen.
In this same child, the Lord has made his face shine on us. For we too have seen the salvation of the Lord. To see him is to see the face of a Father’s love, a love so deep, so profound, that he sent his only Son to be one with us. He sent him so that, by his sacrifice on the cross, he might destroy sin and death. At his resurrection he triumphed over them. Sin and death have lost their power. Now he sits in glory and majesty at the right hand of his Father.
But for a short time during this season, we still see him as a child. Today he reaches out to you. Take him into your arms. Hold him close. Look into his face. Look into the face of a Father’s love—even more, a Brother’s love. Be warmed and comforted.
We often hear that Christmas is about family. It truly is. You belong to a family, all of whom love you dearly. Reserve a special place for the Christ Child. Make room for him in your heart. Then take heart, for you will never be alone.
Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
prepare a bed soft, undefiled
within my heart, made clean and new,
a quiet chamber kept for you.
(CW 331:13)
Rev. David Gosdeck served Northwestern College and Martin Luther College as a professor of theology and as librarian.
