Recognizing Jesus

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. . . . Then the God of peace will be with you.

RECENTLY, I (Kristin) heard about the idea of a “glimmer.” Coined by a licensed clinical social worker named Deb Dana, who specializes in complex trauma, this term refers to small moments when we feel connected or regulated. It’s the opposite of a “trigger,” and instead of causing a painful memory to surface, a glimmer cues our nervous system to feel calm and safe. It’s a moment that makes us feel hopeful, joyful, happy, or grateful.^a

Our brains have often been trained to look for the bad, which is understandable since we want to prepare for what could happen and assess threats or difficulties as they arise. But while it’s essential to plan ahead, sometimes it’s too easy to focus solely on what’s going wrong. Retraining our brains to look for the good takes time and effort. The remarkable thing about our brains is that, thanks to neuroplasticity—the ability to create new pathways—the more we practice looking for good things, the more quickly our brains will recognize them.

It shouldn’t surprise us that the science behind glimmers echoes what Scripture tells us. After all, when Paul admonishes us to focus on what is true, honorable, lovely, and admirable, it’s a reminder that doing so cultivates peace. And when we stop to consider the “micro-moments” of glimmers in our lives, we’ll begin to notice how frequently they arrive. Perhaps it’s the steam rising from a cup of coffee, the few moments of silence before anyone else is awake, or the crackle of a wooden-wick candle that smells like balsam and cedar or black cardamom and vanilla (my personal favorite). Maybe it’s the brisk, bracing outdoor air that makes our lungs expand or hearing our favorite Christmas tune as we wheel a cart through the grocery store. Perhaps it’s the satisfaction of smoothing the edges of gift wrap or getting the crease just right, placing a gift we know someone will love under the tree, drinking creamy eggnog poured into a chilled glass, or sinking into a piping hot bath on a chilly day. It could be the warm presence of a child who curls up next to us for a Hallmark movie, watching the flickering flames from a fire, seeing the twinkle of lights on the tree, or admiring bright stars glittering across the dark expanse of the sky on a moonlit night.

None of those moments are earth-shattering by themselves, but when we consider them all together, they add up to a beautiful day and they help to smooth the rough edges of a hectic holiday season.

For me, glimmers are not simply things that bring me joy but small reflections of the love of Jesus. It’s his light that illuminates the world. When we notice these tiny glimpses of beauty, do we recognize him as the source? Do we thank him for these small reminders of his love?

In Luke 2, we read about two people named Simeon and Anna who were both highly attuned to noticing glimpses of the Lord. Both individuals had lived a long time in service to the Lord, and they were eagerly awaiting the Messiah. Their greatest desire was to see the Savior. Scripture notes that Simeon was a righteous man, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he saw the Messiah. Anna, too, had waited a long time to meet the promised Redeemer. As a prophet, she had spent decades in the Temple, waiting and worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

On the day that Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple, they were approached first by Simeon and then by Anna. Simeon had followed the Holy Spirit’s lead by being present at the Temple that day, and when he saw Jesus, Simeon took him in his arms and began to praise God: “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” (Luke 2:29-32).

In Jesus, Simeon’s hope was fulfilled. Only in Jesus is the fullest depiction of the love of God revealed—the light of salvation, available to all people. Jesus is the culmination of the promises of God.

Just as Jesus and his parents were talking to Simeon, they were approached by Anna. Immediately, she praised God and shared the good news with others as she “talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

Simeon and Anna were witnesses to the good news of Jesus’ birth. Their attitude of joyful expectancy allowed them to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading and to recognize the Savior of the world in the face of an infant. Instead of questioning why Jesus had not arrived as a powerful king or ruler, they rejoiced in his presence. They recognized Jesus because they were looking for him.

Though Jesus no longer walks among us physically, when we stay in close relationship to him and follow the Spirit’s lead, we, too, can recognize the work of Jesus in the world. Every glimmer of love and hope—even the tiny ones that arise throughout our days—leads back to him, and when we are intentional about noticing those glimmers, we bear witness to his work in the world. You and I become witnesses and participants in the good work of God and his Kingdom. What a privilege.

Though Jesus is the Light of the World (see John 8:12), he asks us to reflect the glimmers of his light and love toward others. He told his followers in Matthew 5:14-16,

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Let’s watch for the glimmers in our day that help us to walk out of the darkness and into his light. Then let’s reflect those glimpses of God’s goodness to others. As God’s children, we are the world’s light, shining out for all to see. Let’s not allow the world to dim the glimmer but act as sparks that light a fire in our souls.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the small moments in our day that remind us of your love, grace, compassion, and mercy. Help us reflect your light into the world so that others may know you. May we always focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and worthy of praise. Help us to retrain our brains to see the good and, as we do, to find new ways to partner with you in demonstrating your love and kindness to others. Amen.