Jazz @ Emmanuel – December 8 – Seeing the Light 🌟

What does it mean to “see the light?”
This idiom commonly refers to a person having an “ah-ha! moment.” Suddenly a light bulb goes off in our brain and we see or understand something we did not and could not only a moment before, no matter how we or others have tried.

Spiritually, “seeing the light” is about a revelation of the truth that God exists, and he loves us! It is about how he has been or is present in our situations and life generally from day one.

When we “see the light,” in everyday ways, we may have new guidance on a tough decision, insight into how to proceed, new hope that God will help us work things out. Most importantly though, “seeing the light,” means we see at last, that we belong to God.

Light is clarity. LIght is purity. Light is truth. Light is goodness. Light is Love. In many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, light is a powerful symbol of God or the divine.

Don mentioned on Sunday the BRILLIANCE OF GOD. Whoa. THAT is something worth pondering! Moses could not look upon God because it would have destroyed him to see God’s face because of his Glory. “But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live”.  Exodus 33:20

God’s Glory is his Love and his Love is so pure and complete that it is Brilliant! I heard a pastor once say that the light emanating from the resurrected Jesus’ face was so brilliant that it looked like a crown on his forehead. Imagine Jesus, King of Kings, with a crown of LIGHT!

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
And, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

But once Jesus is gone, he turns the responsibility of being the light of the world over to each of us…
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Now, maybe more than ever, it is important that we allow ourselves to “see the light” and let our knowledge of the truth of the Holy One shine through us in service and love, to help others “see the light” too.

Whenever we “see the light,” we become light… till the whole world shines with the Glory of the Lord. For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Habbakuk 2:14

All Creation reflects the Glory of God! “Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Romans 1:20.

Creation includes all of the peoples of the earth. If you don’t see your fellow men and women as light, consider this: “For now, we see as through a mirror, in darkness, but then we shall see face to face.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

To see the light, we need look no further than the face of our neighbor. Let us greet one another as reflections of God’s love. And take the time to look for a hint of his Brilliance.

Yes, the manger is empty now, but we are the body of Christ in the world and our hearts are full of his light!

If you haven’t “seen the light,” we at Emmanuel, pray that this year, you surely will.

Merry Christmas from Emmanuel!
God is with us!

Jazz @ Emmanuel 
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NEXT MONTH – JANUARY 12
“Yesterday and Tomorrow”