Texts: Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 7:14
Introduction
Beloved, as we begin the sacred season of Advent and approach the celebration of Christmas, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus is far more than a historical event. It is a divine moment when the glory of heaven shines into the darkness of the earth. The eternal Word took on human form, not merely to visit humanity, but to reveal the very nature of God, His character, and His redemptive mission. Christmas, therefore, is the celebration of heaven’s glory revealed in human form.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declared, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). That Light is Jesus Christ, the One who dispels darkness and illuminates the path of life. He is the promised Emmanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). In Him, hope was born, and God’s presence became a living reality among humanity.
As we reflect on His coming, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for God’s faithfulness and protection. He has been with us throughout the year, guiding us through challenges and renewing His mercies daily. As the year draws to a close, we can be confident that the same God who has sustained us so far will continue to uphold us in the days ahead.
The glory of heaven was revealed in Jesus. God’s love was made visible, God’s mercy was expressed, and God’s power became accessible to all who believe. There are three clear manifestations of heavenly glory revealed in Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Reveals the Light of Heaven
Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
Jesus came as the radiant Light of Heaven into a world filled with sin, confusion, fear, and despair. His birth was not simply the arrival of a child; it marked the end of spiritual darkness and the beginning of divine illumination. In Christ, the light of heaven entered human history and shone where darkness once ruled.
He brings illumination that transforms every area of life. In times of confusion, He brings clarity and direction, guiding us onto the path of peace and life. In moments of despair, He brings hope, reminding us that darkness cannot endure where God is present. In a world filled with deception, He stands as the Truth, exposing falsehood and revealing the reality of God’s love and righteousness.
As Rick Warren often emphasizes in his devotionals, Jesus gives purpose, direction, and meaning to life, removing every form of darkness that threatens the soul. His enduring light still shines today, guiding families through uncertainty, healing broken hearts, restoring lost purpose, and strengthening the weary.
Christmas assures us that the Light of Heaven is neither distant nor unreachable. He is Emmanuel, God with us, dwelling in our lives, shining in our hearts, and illuminating every situation we face.
- Jesus Reveals the Love of Heaven
Isaiah 7:14 declares, “A virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
The birth of Jesus fulfills this prophetic promise and clearly reveals God’s deep love for humanity. Christmas is more than the celebration of a miraculous birth; it is the clearest expression of God’s personal concern for the world. Heaven’s glory is not only seen in brilliance or majesty, but in selfless and sacrificial love. That love entered human history through Jesus Christ.
Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” reveals the God who is not distant or indifferent, but present and involved in our lives. He is with us in our struggles, our victories, and our everyday experiences. Through Jesus, heaven reveals the God who draws near to His people.
Jesus came to share in our pain, understand our weaknesses, and walk with us in our suffering. He experienced human life so that no one would ever suffer alone. This is the compassion of heaven revealed on earth.
He also came to bring saving grace. Jesus did not come to condemn a broken world, but to redeem it, heal it, and restore it through love and sacrifice. His life, teachings, and ultimately His death on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s love for humanity.
The Nigerian Baptist Convention devotionals rightly emphasize that Christmas celebrates divine love, a love that moved God to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. This love continues to comfort the lonely, forgive the guilty, strengthen the weary, and restore broken lives. Through Christ, God’s presence remains among us, and His love remains our greatest hope.
- Jesus Reveals the Salvation of Heaven
There is no doubt about the purpose of Christ’s birth: to save humanity from sin and restore the broken relationship between God and mankind. Heaven’s glory is revealed not only in the miracle of His birth, but in the mission for which He was born. Jesus came to save the lost, heal the brokenhearted, bring peace to troubled souls, and offer eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Christian writers and theologians throughout history, from the early church fathers to contemporary voices, affirm that Jesus is heaven’s greatest gift to humanity. He is the Savior who repairs what sin has destroyed. The manger and the cross are inseparably connected. Until we see the shadow of Calvary behind the cradle, we have not fully understood Christmas. Christ was born so that He might die, and through His death and resurrection, salvation was made available to all.
The salvation Jesus offers is complete, freely given by grace, eternal in nature, and available to everyone today.
Conclusion
Jesus is the visible glory of heaven: God’s Light shining in the darkness, God’s Love made flesh, and God’s Salvation freely offered to all. As we celebrate Christmas, let us move beyond admiration of the story to a deeper embrace of its meaning. The clearest response to this great gift is to surrender our lives to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The King came in humility, yet He reigns with divine authority. Even today, when people encounter Him, hearts are transformed and lives are changed. The God who has sustained us from January until now remains faithful and unchanging. He will guide us through the days ahead with mercy, grace, and unfailing care.
May the glory of Christ fill our hearts, guide our actions, and remind us that heaven’s greatest gift is still alive and active among us. May Christ fill your home, your heart, and the closing days of this year with hope.
Reflections
Where do I need the light of Jesus to shine in my life this season?
How has God shown His love to me throughout this year?
Have I fully embraced Jesus as the Savior and center of my life?
In what ways can I reflect His glory to others during this Christmas season?
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. You have brought salvation to our world, light into our darkness, and love into our pain. We are grateful. As we celebrate Advent, fill our hearts with renewed joy, peace, and gratitude. Continue to watch over us through the remainder of this year. May the glory of Christ shine in us and transform us. We pray in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
References
- The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).
- Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotionals, Saddleback Church.
- Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional Guide.
- Stott, John, Basic Christianity, InterVarsity Press.
- Tozer, A. W., The Knowledge of the Holy, HarperCollins.
- Lewis, C. S., Mere Christianity, HarperOne.
- Wright, N. T., Simply Christian, HarperOne.
- Keller, Timothy, Hidden Christmas.
John Aderogba for ROPMI