…We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

…And the glory of the Lord shone around them… (Luke 2:9). The glory of the Lord is the revelation of His being. Anytime God’s nature, character, and powerful deeds are revealed, His glory is manifest. And so, on the blessed night when God came to earth as an infant, His glory filled the heavens.  

This is the same Glory about which Moses asked of God, Now show me your glory… But God said, …you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live (Exodus 33:18, 20). It is the Glory of God’s presence that filled Solomon’s temple, and the Glory that Ezekiel saw leave the temple. (1 Kings 8:11, Ezekiel 10) For more than 500 years, God had withheld the manifestation of His glory. But now, to a group of humble shepherds, God’s glory was once again revealed.

Those who behold the glory of God are changed. After witnessing God’s glory, the shepherds rushed to see the Christ child lying in a manger. They began to glorify and praise God, and they spread the news of Jesus’ birth to others. When Saul witnessed the glory of Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was transformed from a persecutor to a believer. (Acts 9) Peter was so impacted by the manifestation of Jesus’ glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, that to him, the mountain became sacred. (2 Peter 1:16-18) The glory of God transforms! 

Have you beheld the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father? How has His glory changed your life? The revelation of Jesus’ unchanging nature, character, and powerful deeds found throughout scripture will continually transform lives until the day when Jesus once again comes in glory!

Jesus, you are the glorious One! Every aspect of your nature and character is glorious. Your works and ways are glorious. Reveal your glory to me and manifest your glory through me to others.

Jan Burkhart