GOD'S SMILE

"... The Lord make his face to shine upon you" (Num. 6:25) or another translation: "The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee" is a vital thought for the first day of 2026. I wonder what the meaning of "His face". I was attracted by "His Face" - "His countenance" - His gentle smile. I actually mention a positive smile in this sharing instead of the opposite sites, because those counterblast belong to another topic. 

The Old Testament mentions some details about God's smile, yet I love the details about how God makes human beings smile. For instance, when Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, she surprisingly said: “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” (Gen. 21:6); or quote from Job's book: "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." (Jb. 8:21). Also, psalmist writes: "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy." (Ps. 126:2).

In the New Testament, I imagined the context of Mary visiting Elizabeth (Lk. 1:39-45) includes smiles in this conversation, since the song Magnificat is a witness to this happiness. Next, it is also the smile of an invalid man for thirty-eight years after being healed (Jn 5:2-15) or the satisfied smile of the blind Bartimaeus when he follows Jesus along the road after receiving his sight. Furthermore, Jesus also teaches disciples: "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." (Lk. 6: 21) and their laughter is revealed clearly "... stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Lk. 21:28).

The new year event comes and brings happiness to each of us, and reminds us of God's smile - His Countenance - His Face. God loves us and always desires the joy for human beings living according to His Good Will. So, our attitude at present is also the attitude of Saint Paul: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). Moreover, our behaviors are the channel of God's smile because "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (Phil. 4:5).

Our heartfelt belief is a blessing: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." (Num. 2:22-27).

O Mary, Mother of God, our Mother, pray for us.

Little Stream

Photo: Fireworks at Niagara Falls, Canada