12/18/2025
Blessing and Benediction from Rev. Ivan Herman
by Rev. Ivan Herman
The face is far more than an arrangement of eyes, nose, and mouth. The face is synonymous to the whole person because it reveals the full self. Whether anger or approval, joy or sorrow, the face is the outer sign of the inner life.
When the Bible speaks of God’s face, it is not an impenetrable façade, but a transparent window into the Holy. When God’s face turns to you, you enter the presence of God and receive Divine approval.
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
(The Aaronic Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26)
Go now to face this day with fullness, knowing the face of the Holy One is shining upon you in grace. Shed your mask and lift up your face so others will witness the genuine presence of the Divine because of you.
Rev. Ivan Herman
Rev. Ivan Herman has served as the associate pastor at Carmichael Presbyterian Church since 2009 and is active in the Presbytery of North Central California. He grew up in Ecuador and Colombia, and has previously served as pastor or ruling elder in Presbyterian congregations in Memphis, TN, Washington, DC, and San Antonio, TX. He holds an annual pass to U.S. National Parks as well as degrees from American University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Wake Forest University. Ivan lives in Sacramento with his spouse, Susan. They keep a well-stocked fridge for their two teenagers, but the ice cream never even makes it to the freezer.
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