Glory

Isaiah 40:5

"Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,

and all flesh will see it together;

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." 

This great verse put to music by Handel has stirred my spirit this past week. Jesus, God in flesh, having the full glory of God came to this place and veiled His glory. We see a glimpse of  it when the angels sing to the shepherds, on the mount of transfiguration, and strong hints of it in His miracles. Yet, His first advent was marked more by silence, obscurity, poverty and sacrifice. I still don't get it but I rejoice over the rescue it brought us. Isaiah, which has well over 30 verses referring to His first advent also points us to another Advent and the 2nd coming of Jesus. We see it in Is. 40:5 and Jesus refers to it in such places as Matt. 24:29-30. It will not be like the Christmas story but it will be marked by power, majesty, authority and GLORY. We will not just gets hints at His glory or a brief look but the whole world - all flesh- will see it for all it is! That day is coming! Jesus, the baby, will arrive as Jesus the King in all His glorious splendor. As you read and meditate and sing this week about Christmas, let your heart and mind and longings look ahead to another Advent still to come.