Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
Rev. Tse Amable | December 25 2024 | John 1:1-14
KEY VERSE:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1:14 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
For many Jews, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth marked the fulfilment of several prophecies concerning the Messiah, which they expected, longed for, and hoped for. The nativity story we read in the gospels points to this truth that God took on human form, entered into our space, and dwelt with us for 33 ½ years. The passage for today is the 9th lesson, which is read at the festival of 9 lessons and carols. Jesus, the Son of God, came to show us the glory of the holy trinity.
In his prayer for his disciples, which John recorded, Jesus Christ told the Father, “I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE” (John 17:22). That means followers of Jesus Christ get to share the glory which both God the Father and God the Son have. In his epistle to the Colossians, Apostle Paul taught about THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST. He wrote that Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). In this epistle, the Apostle to the Gentiles brought out a powerful revelation of how the Gentiles have become partakers of God’s salvation. He wrote: “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY” (Colossians 1:27).
Jesus Christ is our only hope of sharing in the glory of God, both now and hereafter, in the other world. But you only enjoy this glory when you invite Jesus Christ to come and dwell within your spirit through the Holy Spirit.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have you invited Jesus Christ to come and live in you? How are you living so that the light of God’s glory can shine from you to lighten up the world which is under the power of the darkness of sin?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you want to share your glory with me. I open the door of my heart to you on this day that we remember your birth into this world. There is room in my heart for you. Stay in me, and let me shine your glory to the world.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GLORY
The word "glory" originates from the Greek word doxa (δόξα), which stems from the root dokeō (δοκέω), meaning "to think" or "to seem." Over time, doxa evolved to denote "opinion" or "reputation" and was eventually used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word kabod, meaning "weight" or "honour." Thus, doxa came to signify splendour, majesty, and the visible manifestation of divine greatness.
In John 1:14, "glory" reflects the divine nature of Christ, uniquely revealed in His incarnation. It speaks of His radiance as the Son of God, embodying grace and truth, allowing humanity to experience God's majesty firsthand. Through Christ dwelling in us, believers carry a measure of His glory. This divine presence empowers us to live as testimonies of His grace and truth, illuminating the world around us.
Reflection: How can our lives radiate the glory of Christ to a world shrouded in uncertainty and despair? The Word became flesh to dwell among us, and now, through His Spirit, He dwells within us. This is glory revealed - Christ in us, the hope of glory."
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