In today’s passage, the apostle Paul compares the old and new covenant. He reminded the Corinthians that when Moses, the mediator of the old covenant, came down from Mt. Sinai, God’s glory reflected from his face so brilliantly that the Israelites could not look at him. The law that Moses communicated was holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7.12-14), but the Israelites had trouble accepting and following the law, and the glory faded (2 Cor. 3:7). Now, through Jesus, our great Hope, the glory has returned.

2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

With Christ as the mediator of the new covenant, the glory increases “from one degree of glory to another.” Believers don’t have to shield themselves from God’s glory; rather, we are to behold “the glory of the Lord.” When the Spirit of the Lord lives in us, there is great freedom to serve and obey our Lord (2 Cor. 3:17). In fact, the Spirit is transforming us into the likeness of Jesus!

Jesus is our great Hope. That is the Christmas story in a nutshell. In Jesus, we have significance, security, acceptance, and forgiveness. In Jesus, we are empowered by his Spirit to show the world how the glory of the Lord shines through our lives. 

Today, many people are looking for hope, something to believe in, and something to live for. People have let them down. Circumstances have worn them out. The future looks bleak. Life is confusing. This Christmas, let’s offer the hope—the certain confidence—that can only come from Jesus. Let’s boldly share with family and friends that Jesus, and only Jesus, can transform our lives. 

Father, may we be those who grasp the power of life with Jesus Christ. As we are being transformed into the likeness of our Savior, use the change in us to change lives around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.