27 December 2013 - the eternal made visible

27 December 2013 - the eternal made visible

Christmas is about the eternal life present with the Father becoming visible to us. 

we have seen it and testify to it
and proclaim to you the eternal life
that was with the Father and was made visible to us—
Jesus, the Word of life, who dwells with the Father from all eternity becomes something which we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands.  He becomes a concrete reality.  He is true God.  He becomes true man.

He becomes man so that we may share the fellowship he has with the Father and then that "our joy may be complete."

Jesus is made visible first as an infant but his revelation is not complete.  All peoples do not yet see his glory.  John sees him transfigured on the mountain.  But the nations do not yet see his glory.  He stands by him at the cross with Mary, dimly perceiving his glory even there.  But the nations still do not know.  These experiences give John hope which propels him to the tomb.  He arrives first but does not enter.  He does not enter alone. 

This is the fullness of the revelation that Jesus comes to bring.  He rises to prove that he is who he says he is.  He rises to defeat death and bring everlasting life to mankind.  John only enters with Peter.  In other words, he enters together with the Church.  He enters now into an experience which is meant not just for a few but for the whole world.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.

John enters the tomb and the Church enters with him.  We enter with him.  Together with him we see Jesus and believe.  Indeed "all peoples see his glory" through this revelation of his resurrection.  Mountains of doubt and disbelief melt like wax before the LORD. 

This is all "so that our joy may be complete", so that all may share in our fellowship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.

Light dawns at the Nativity of the LORD.  His resurrection is the noonday sun which never sets.  Let us rejoice in this light.

Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.