Christian Nimbus

The nimbus, in classical mythology, was a shining cloud that surrounded a deity. "Such a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing is sometimes called a halo." An "halo" is "a circular band of colored light around a light source, as around the sun or moon."

The nimbus is further defined as - "A luminous ring or disk of light surrounding the heads or bodies of sacred figures, such as saints, in religious paintings; a nimbus." "The aura of majesty or glory surrounding a person or thing that is regarded with reverence, awe, or sentiment." (http://www.answers.com/)

It would be difficult to fully explain the physics or metaphysics of this phenomena. There is a glow to holy men and women. It has been seen in several biblical personages. It is promised, in the Holy Scriptures, that all the saints will "shine" forever, just as the heavenly bodies. Here are some instances where this nimbus and halo have been manifested and seen in special holy people.

Aura of Angels

"...a man (an Angel) stood before me in bright clothing..." (Acts 10: 30)

The Aura of Moses

"And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them...And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him." (Exodus 34: 29-35)

"And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face...But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3: 13, 18)

Aura of Christ

"And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." (Matthew 17: 2)

"...a bright cloud overshadowed them..." (17: 5)

Aura of Stephen

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people...And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." (Acts 6: 8,15)

Christians Can Shine Now

"...oil to make his face to shine..." (Psalm 104: 15)

"Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed." (Ecclesiastes 8: 1)

As Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit, in the Scriptures typified by "oil," it causes them to have a holy glow about their faces. Many Christians can confess to being able to see this aura in other people, recognizing thereby that they are men and women of God. As the Christian is filled with both the wisdom and Spirit of God, their countenances will gloriously change. They will emanate a joyful radiance that is attractive and which draws attention.

Future Aura of Glorified Saints

"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12: 3)

"Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." (Matthew 13: 43)

Friend, will you be so favored throughout eternity with such glory? This promise of future glory and heavenly station is reserved for all those who in faith come to the Lord Jesus Christ and join themselves to him. Will you do so today before it is too late?