The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. Hebrews 1:3
Often the artistic representations of Jesus’ birth show Jesus with a halo—radiant in the manger. Whether or not that visual is accurate scripture confirms that indeed Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s glory. We know that people were drawn to Jesus during His time on earth even though we don’t know whether or not there was a physical trait that drew them but the Spirit within Jesus drew the lost and hurting.
The same radiance is available to each of us through the Holy Spirit. Is the Spirit within you one that draws others closer to the Lord, or one that pushes them away? Perhaps neither.
Our radiance—our attitudes can change those of others, just as the twinkling lights and excited faces of children at Christmas can brighten the toughest of days.
When others see you, do they see the radiance of Christ and an invitation to come near to the Savior whose birth we celebrate?
Paula Davis 
Lovely writing, encouraging thoughts! And if I’m not mistaken, I recognize that little lake.
Thanks Holly! I think of you every time I see that picture!