PLATO said, “The radiant light is the shadow of God.” That was a wonderful thing for a pagan philosopher to say. But David sees clearer. He speaks of God as enrobed with light. Back of all the brilliant glory and splendor of the light is God Himself, from whom all light shines. He dwells in the light which no man can approach unto. But He has come out to us in the Person of His Son, who is the light and life of men, the light of the world. He is the image of the invisible God, in whom the light is fully manifested.
“Immortal, invisible, God only-wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes.
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest—to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
‘Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee, AMEN.”
—Walter Chalmers Smith.