Glory

Sunrise over Four Peaks - Cave Creek, AZ

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

Isaiah 6:3 (NIV)

Glory is the word used to describe God in all his transcendent beauty, majesty and holiness.  His glory fills all the earth and the heavens.  We see his glory all around us in the creation.  We experience his glory as we walk in his presence.   We are transformed by his glory.

When we look at our mundane lives we wonder “Where’s the glory?  What could it possibly mean that I am being transformed into his image?”  Yet, as I allow my mind to expand to encompass thoughts of his glory, I find amazing things happening in me.  First is worship.  As I contemplate his glory all around me, a sense of worship rises inside of me opening my heart to his transforming power. Then, even though I may face troubles of all kinds, as I acknowledge his glorious presence, I have a sense of peace and joy continually renewing my inner being.

God's desire for us is nothing less than that we should see and share his glory.  He has high hopes for us.  As we see and reflect his glory, he works in us to change and transform us into his very image – the image of Christ who is the exact representation of God’s glory.

Therefore we do not lose heart. 

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

 yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

  For our light and momentary troubles

 are achieving for us an eternal glory 

that far outweighs them all. 

  2 Cor 4:16-17 (NIV)

And we all, with unveiled faces

 reflecting the glory of the Lord, 

are being transformed into the same image

 from one degree of glory to another.

2 Cor 3:18 (NET)

Praise

The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.  Luke 2:20 (NLT)

The lives of the familiar cast of characters in the Nativity story were suddenly interrupted by an astounding message - the message of a special baby coming into the world. 

Mary and Joseph perhaps thinking of their up coming wedding were visited by an angel, their plans suddenly drastically altered.  Zechariah going about his priestly duties, as he had done many times before, suddenly interrupted by a startling message.  Elizabeth in her old age finding herself unexpectedly expecting a baby.  The shepherds simply watching their flocks, as they did each and every night, interrupted by the angel chorus. And sky watchers from the East, in their nightly star gazing, noticed a star they had never seen before. Each one, when they heard and understood the message, were overcome with joy and responded with an overwhelming desire to praise and worship God.

What was so startling about this baby to be born?  It was no ordinary babe, but one born as a deliverer to save his people from their sins.  What other response could there be but praise for such a marvelous plan.  Sin, that damaging and destructive cancer that held the world long captive was about to meet its match in this tiny baby.  We, too, are held captive until we come to see in that baby the one who can save and deliver us.  When we think of all that was accomplished by the entrance of God into the world in the guise of this tiny baby we too will be filled with praise and thankfulness.  The realization that he has forgiven all of our sins, set us free and brought us near to God is cause for worship this Christmas and every day. 

Let God interrupt our unthinking Christmas routines and bring us suddenly to our knees to worship.  Let us join the chorus of praise, thanking God for this incredible gift. 

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Matt 2:11 (NLT)