“He was transfigured in front of them, and his face shone like the sun; his clothes became as white as the light.”
Matthew 17:2 CSB
The passage for today, from Matthew, is another interesting one to include in an Advent reading plan. I think it is relevant to Advent because this is Matthew’s description of Jesus’ encounter with Moses and Elijah. Jesus further acknowledges that Elijah will go before the Son of Man and then points to how John the Baptist has fulfilled this prophesy (Malachi 4:5-6).
So, John the Baptist plays a key role as the Messiah’s forerunnner. And the Advent crescendo continues to build, beginning with Jesus’ birth and looking ahead to His Second Coming.
The details in this verse concerning Jesus’ Transfiguration further anticipate what it will be like when He returns. I also think they can shed light His birth.
Again, this is the same Jesus who is announced by angels, only the sign then is that He will be a “baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). It will only be much later that Jesus’ face will shine like the sun with clothes “as white as the light.” Both descriptions are equally true of Him.
This Christmas as we picture our Lord in the stable, perhaps we can also remember this moment when the curtain is removed and His glory is briefly but brilliantly revealed. And if we do so, perhaps it can add even more marvel to our worship as we reflect on how He veiled His glory and became a fragile baby for us and for our salvation.
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