Psalm 67:1 – May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us . . .
I remember one of my mother’s favorite saying was, “How I love to see your shining face.” When faces shine they are elated, full of joy and love and anticipation. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow are the words in a familiar carol that describes children waiting for Christmas.
To think that God, the all mighty creator of the Universe, could have His face shine in joy and anticipation of me coming into His presence is humbling and awesome at the same time. But more than that, it means that when I have been in His presence, His light is reflected in me for other to see. The Old Testament talks of Moses’ face shining so brightly after he communed with God that he had to veil it. Jesus said He is the Light of the World, the one thing that can dispel the shadows in our souls. We, too are called to let our light so shine before mankind that people may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
When God lights up and shines upon us, we are blessed double-fold. We receive the warmth of His loving presence, and are also called to be His reflection to a hurting world. Like the star over Bethlehem, we become a beacon for all seeking Truth, Love and Refuge. We point to our Savior. Shine, Jesus Shine.
