No doubt you remember the story of shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus on the night he was born.
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:8-9 NIV, emphasis added).
An Angel’s Revelation to the Shepherds by Alexander Laureus (1815)
What do you suppose that glory looked like? Perhaps the immediate area glowed with a golden brilliance, as if lit with a high-powered spotlight.
But, of course, no such apparatus existed in that day. It’s no wonder the shepherds were terrified–between the sudden appearance of an angel and otherworldly light illuminating the darkness.
Decades later, Jesus invited three disciples—Peter, James, and John—up on a high mountain, where the men caught a brief glimpse of the glory of their Messiah (Luke 9:29). His clothes became dazzling white, as bright as a flash of lightning.
Luke also reported the appearance of his face changed, while Matthew and Mark said he was transfigured (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). The Greek form of that word suggests a change of the essential form of Jesus rather than just an alteration of his outward appearance.
Transfiguration of Jesus by Carl Bloch (1800)
But all the disciples and many others saw Christ’s glory manifested in other ways too, including his miracles.
After relating the story of Jesus changing water into wine, John wrote, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory (John 2:11, emphasis added).
Further signs included his absolute purity, perfect wisdom, uniquely-inspired teachings, and finally, his astonishing resurrection and ascension.
But what about today? Can we see evidence of Christ’s glory, the splendor of his Personhood as our Emmanuel (God with us)?
As that question formed in my mind, I wondered, could I name ten categories of manifestations? How about fifteen?
If you have time, jot a list of your own thoughts before reading on. It might be interesting to see which of your categories match mine, and what different ones come to your mind.
Evidences of Christ’s glory in our lives include:
- Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12)
- Undeserved mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
- Freedom from the power of sin, death, worry, and fear (Romans 8:1-2)
- Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7)
- Compassionate comfort (Isaiah 49:13)
- Competent help (Psalm 115:9)
- Holy wisdom (Colossians 2:3)
The list goes on:
- Trustworthy counsel (Psalm 73:24)
- Satisfying productivity (Philippians 1:10-11)
- Gracious generosity (Ephesians 1:3; 3:20)
- Special gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
- Strong empowerment (Acts 1:8)
- Ever-active faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24))
Eden, by Thomas Cole (1828)
Finally, evidence of Christ’s glory in our lives includes:
- Deep, restful peace (John 14:27)
- Complete joy (John 15:11)
- Enduring love (John 15:13)
- Beautifying presence (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Resilient hope, which renews our strength (Colossians 1:27)
One day we will see Christ in all his glory—not only his human nature but his sublime splendor, majesty, holiness, and power.
“That glory will be a thousand times more than anything we can imagine!”*
*John Owen, Meditation on the Glory of Christ, 1684, Ch. 12)!
Now it’s your turn! Where have you seen evidence of Christ’s glory? Please share in the comment section below! And on your way there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter–if you haven’t already.
Image credits: http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.freesvg.org.
Do sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes a THANK YOU GIFT: Thirty encouraging quotes to inspire your own spirit and to share with others.
Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource!
Discover more from From the Inside Out
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
From the Inside Out 
Good thought-provoking post, Nancy. I see Christ’s glory in the beauty of creation. 🙂
His creation IS glorious–full of beauty and wonder. And the more we learn about our universe, the more we experience awe in his creativity, wisdom, engineering skills, attention to detail, and more!
I see Christ’s glory in the miracle of our precious grandchildren. Every little eyelash, finger, and toe is just amazing in design, and the joy they bring is a gift from God.
With you, Patty, I have marveled at newborns–the tiny fingernails, the instinctive impulse to clasp with their fingers, the delicate softness of their skin, etc. In addition, each newborn is a wonder-filled manifestation of God’s glory in another way. Each of us is born in the image of God! How glorious is that?
Truly glorious and an evidence of His grace.
As I read your reflection here, Nancy, all I could think of was the four lit candles for Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. That’s what God has given us through the gift of His Son, Jesus. What more could we ask for? Blessings!
Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love–glorious gifts indeed–of such quality and depth that no one else can offer. Praise God! (And thank you, Martha!)
I love the two leads you’ve included in this post, Nancy. First, the lead painting, with the “chiaroscuro” technique which makes the scene so powerful. I was never much of an art fan until I studied Caravaggio in college (the master of chiaroscuro painting). And second, your choice of “complete forgiveness” as the lead category of the manifestation of God’s glory. All of your categories carry weight in faith of course, but perhaps this one is the most significant of them all.
I’m so glad you introduced me to the term chiaroscuro, Dave. You are so right: paintings that include light and dark areas are more compelling. As for forgiveness heading the list, it is an all-important first step that Christ took, delivering us from the penalty for our sin and resulting in our complete pardon (Ephesians 1:7), so we can enjoy all the other glories he provides!
wow this made me think. Where in my life have I experience God’s glory? Often it has been in the quiet, presence moments of prayer. those times that I can’t find words to describe. so full of peace from beyond. I really do like how you tied your list to scripture. Your list is very powerful and one to keep. thanks for sharing this. It is a blessing.
Oh yes–those quiet moments when we sense his presence strongly are certainly “filled with his glory!” I’m so glad you found this list of glory-manifestations worthy of keeping. Praise God for his guidance in putting it together!
🧡
Thanks, Mitch!
All of the things on your list are spot on. I would add that I see His glory in answered prayer. I belong to a small group of ladies who meet weekly via Zoom for prayer, fellowship, and book discussion. There are things we have prayed, for literally years, and when God answers those prayers, it is nothing short of a miracle–healing, reconciliation, fertility, salvation. The list goes on, but God’s grace does too. In those answered prayers, His glory explodes.
AMEN, Linda! First, there’s the glory of privilege as God allows us to come alongside him in prayer as he does his work. And then we get to experience the glorious thrill of watching those prayers get answered, sometimes in ways we NEVER could have imagined (Ephesians 3:20)! In that moment we see on display the glory of his power, wisdom, compassion, and more!
I had not thought of “🎶what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” You are so right: we see God’s glory in his invitation to give it all to him.
Wonderful list, Nancy! So much to wonder over, be thankful for, and anticipate!
Thank you, Dana. Praise God for the gift of wonder that fills our hearts with delight for who he is, what he does, and what he is going to do!
Your posts glorify God, they are done with such excellence in writing and media—and they point to Him–the One who also does all things with excellence. Thank you Nancy! Praying for you and yours during this Advent.
Thank you for your encouragement, Katie. It warms my heart! And thank you also for your prayers. What a delightful thing to do, to pray over each blogger-friend as we visit one another’s blogs!
It truly is a delightful thing, isn’t it?!!
Hi Nancy,
The same glory that some say created the shroud of Turin burnt in image was 6.21 gigawats. In Back to the Future the bolt was 1.21 gigawats. That power is like a candle or a lightswitch for the Lord. Just a minute fraction. Crazy!
Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Crazy indeed, Gary–beyond comprehension!
What a great list, Nancy! I was thinking the same thing as the other Nancy- I think one of the most powerful ways we experience the Lord is through his creation!
I’ve mentioned it here on the blog before, but maybe before you joined us, Stacey: Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Nelson, calls the outdoors “God’s living room.” Isn’t that a delightful expression? And it fits so well with the worshipful adoration we experience in the glory of his creation!
What came to mind is His patience with me. I am easily distracted during my time of devotion. This week I was reminded of limiting my time online to spend more quality time talking with and listening to the Lord. I need to be more totally present during this precious time. His patience is indicative of His love for me despite my unworthiness.
You are not alone in being distracted during prayer time, Cheri. There are many of us among God’s children with ADD–even AAADD (Age-Activated Attention-Deficit Disorder)! 😁 “He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14 HCSB).
“As the King can never die, so His grace can never fail.” What a remarkable truth to cling to, to be reminded that His mercy and grace will never leave us. We can’t lose it, use it up, or misplace it. The fact that He chooses to listen and love us, answering our prayers for our good, reminds me that He knows me fully and accepts me completely. Thanks for this wonderful list.
You’re welcome, Dayle. And thank you for what you’ve added here–AMEN to all of it! After reading, I have an urge to stand up and shout hallelujah!