The season is upon us. Decorations are appearing on homes and lawns, and manger scenes once again remind us of Jesus Christ as a baby. It’s understandable — the season is intended to commemorate His birth. But this raises a deeper question: How do we view the Messiah?

Many think of Him either as a newborn in a manger or as a torn and suffering figure on a cross. Yet neither image reflects His present reality. What is Jesus Christ truly like right now? What is He doing at this very moment?

The Bible reveals that Jesus has been resurrected to glory and sits at the right hand of Almighty God. What must that glory be like? We’re given a glimpse in Revelation 1:14–15, where He is described with hair white as wool, eyes like flames of fire, feet like fine brass, and a voice like the sound of rushing waters. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 offer further imagery as He addresses the churches of Asia Minor.

Symbolism is part of the language of Revelation, but the message is clear: the risen Christ is far more glorious than the two familiar portraits most people picture — the infant in the manger or the crucified Savior. Jesus is alive. He reigns. And His present glory is beyond words.

If you’d like to learn more about the living Jesus Christ — the One so often called “the reason for the season” — check out this short essay entitled “Alive Again Today and Forever”. This essay is part of the larger study guide entitled “Jesus Christ: The Real Story” and is available on the United Church of God website.

By Lynn Leiby
Dec 9th, 2025