2016-12-30 - An Angelic Encounter

Originally Published 2013-12-28

Luke 2:8-15 (NLT)

8. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
9. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,
10. but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
11. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
12. And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13. Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14. “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15. When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

As I read this all too familiar passage earlier this week, my mind was drawn to a single seemingly small detail – “the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.” The angels had come from the presence of God the Father, and his glory still reflected off them. It reminded me of the story of Moses coming down from the mountain and covering himself, so he didn't blind the Israelites with God's glory. I also flashed briefly over to the Transfiguration narrative, when Jesus began to shine with his true radiant glory. And then, as my mind chased another squirrel into a rabbit hole, I was left with this question: Do I shine with the radiance of the Lord's glory? Do I spend enough time in his presence, that his glory shines through me? Do I reflect the Son into the eyes and lives of those around me?

Do you?

Glorious God, Empty me of me and fill me with your spirit. Draw me ever closer to you. Give me the desire to desire nothing more than your presence. Amen.

IHFHBOH
Adam

acdum@hotmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted