SPLENDOR

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
— Isaiah 60:1

During Advent, the word “splendor” calls us to reflect on the brilliance of God’s presence breaking into the world through Jesus Christ. Splendor conveys majesty, beauty, and radiance — qualities that describe God’s divine nature revealed in the coming of Christ.

Splendor of God’s Creation
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
— Psalm 19:1

Creation itself reflects God’s splendor. As we journey through Advent, nature’s beauty reminds us of the Creator’s magnificence. Even in winter’s stillness, there’s a quiet splendor that mirrors God’s enduring promise of new life.

Splendor of Christ’s Coming
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
— Isaiah 9:2

The birth of Jesus is the ultimate display of God’s splendor. Jesus’s birth illuminates a dark world with hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent invites us to open our hearts to that light and reflect it in our lives through our words and actions.

Splendor of Eternal Glory
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:6

Advent also points us toward Christ’s second coming in glory. We wait with expectant hope, trusting in the splendor of God’s ultimate plan of redemption and eternal life.

Reflection Questions:

• How have you seen God’s splendor in your life recently?
• In what ways can you reflect Christ’s light to others during this Advent season?