RDP Monday: RESPLENDENT
late Middle English: from Latin resplendent- ‘shining out,’ from the verb resplendere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + splendere ‘to glitter.’
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Resplendent makes me think of Queen Elizabeth I, whose love of fabulously expensive gowns covered with glittering jewels is legendary.
She really knew how to put on the ritz, a statement of her power and the reach of her authority.
At Christmas, though, as I think about the birth of Jesus Christ, there was nothing resplendent at all except, of course, for the brilliantly shining angel who announced His birth to the shepherds.
In fact, Jesus left all the glory and splendor of heaven to be born as a human infant, and cradled in a manger on a bed of hay.
He was probably about two when the Magi finally reached Him. They gave Him splendid gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Expensive, and prophetic of His death.
There was no splendor in His death. It was brutal. Ugly. His suffering was beyond our understanding.
He endured it for our sake, so that we could experience the splendor of heaven with Him, if we accept His death and resurrection as our only way of salvation.
His love was, and is, resplendent. His mercy and grace are resplendent.
Don’t forget why we celebrate Christmas. It’s not all the romantic movies or shopping or lights and other decorations. It is because Jesus came, as wholly man and wholly God, to provide the best gift of all for all mankind who will trust in Him.
Luke 2:11.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Just Writing! 
All the very best, Linda.
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And to you 🙂
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