The Christmas holiday season is upon us! If you haven't already, you’ll probably begin putting your Christmas decorations up soon. You may have already seen Christmas lights shining into the night in your neighborhood. It seems increasingly rare to see Nativities as Christmas decorations, and while that might have to do with a decrease in the number of people calling themselves Christians, it may also have to do with the increase in “cancel culture.” It’s possible that Christians may choose to put up worldly Christmas decorations instead of a Nativity for fear of what others may think of or do to them. We would do well not to put a veil over the light of the message of this season.

“When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him.” (Exodus 34:29-30)

The radiance of God’s glory was literally shining out from Moses’ face. Can you imagine that? Moses had spent 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain with God and as a result of spending that much time with the Lord, Moses’ face literally shone with the glory of God. I would think that people would be drawn to such a sight, but the people of Israel were afraid. So what did Moses do in response?

“But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai. When Moses finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the Lord had given him, and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the Lord.” (Exodus 34:31-35)

While Moses did call the people toward him so that he could give them God’s message, he then proceeded to cover the glow of God’s glory with a veil. I had not really given this detail much thought or consideration until I read what Paul thought about Moses’ actions.

“We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:13-18)

Paul wrote that we are not like Moses because Jesus Christ removes the veil. When someone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed so their minds can understand the truth! We as Christians are supposed to reflect God’s glory; we are His representatives in this dark world! Paul also said that those for whom the veil has been removed, can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. One way we can reflect the glory of God is through the simple act of pointing those around us to the true reason for the season. When you put out your Christmas decorations, don’t forget the only reason we celebrate Christmas. It’s a simple gesture you can do to show and remind others of the Light of Christ. Don’t put a veil over the Light of Christ. Let the glory of God shine proudly for all those around you to see!

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.