Let’s Chat: Pleased to Dwell 25

Sometimes it just has to be face to face.[1]

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Merry Christmas!

Long distance with my now wife was, well, long and distant! One of the joys, though, were the conversations. Face-to-face (over a screen), even across the country or across an ocean, we talked on and on. It’s what we had, and we loved it! Being in-person without the in-depth conversations is a trade I’d never make.

What does this have to do with Jesus and Christmas? He was manifest in the flesh. Pleased to dwell as nothing – as one of us. He was normal. In Galilee, you wouldn’t have known by walking past Him and looking at Him that He was God in flesh (Isaiah 53:2). And… we do not see His face now (1 Peter 1:8). So, how does this work?

He was manifest in the flesh. He did not come as a coach, intent on helping us function more effectively. He did not come as a police officer, intent on helping us function within the bounds of the law. He did not come as a lecturer, intent on informing us of that which we need to live successfully. He came as a groom intent on wooing a bride.[2]

One day we will fully and physically see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). Now we are in long distance – we know Him. We speak with Him, as a man speaks with His friend. His life is our life. His communion our communion. His heart is for us. His heart is on us. His heart is intent on bringing us safely home to the wedding feast of heaven. He is making all things ready for us. And now, though we do not see Him, we love Him. For in His face shines the glory of God.

consider how the glory of God shines in the face of Jesus Christ… If you would see God, see him shining “in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). See His mercy shining in Christ, and His justice in the punishing our sin in Christ; see His truth, His power, His wisdom, shining in Christ, and shining more than in the creation, or in anything in the world besides.[3]

Jesus lifted us, human faced, draws all people to Himself, spreading His goodness in glorious triumph from Christmas to the cross to the throne.

Don’t regret this long distance between ourselves and Jesus. This time of anticipation is preparing for us a weight of glory beyond all imagining (2 Corinthians 4:17). He’s coming again!

Let’s Chat

Merry Christmas! Let’s chat to our family and friends about our wonderful God! And let’s talk to Him today like we’ve never before!

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[1] Peter Mead, Pleased to Dwell,

[2] Peter Mead, Pleased to Dwell,

[3] Richard Sibbes, The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, Volume 3, p. 617