Choirs are singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” What does “glory” really mean?
At Christmas, when we think of gifts, food, family, and friends, we’re reminded that every good gift comes from God. He blesses us with abundant food on our tables, with good friends, with strong, healthy bodies. When we enjoy time with family, we realize that every person is a gift from God.
Before we can glorify God, we must realize our own humble condition. Every breath we take, every thought we imagine, every opportunity we have is a gift from God. Beyond being thankful for what God has GIVEN us, we begin to grow in understanding WHO God is! He is the Creator who formed us. He is a powerful God who establishes nations. He is a loving God who encourages relationships, a most compassionate judge who rules over all, a merciful Father who forgives the sins of a humble heart. He alone deserves all of our respect, admiration, praise, honor, acclaim, adoration, and humble, heartfelt worship. This is what it means to glorify God.
What happens if we don’t focus on God’s glory, if we are not grateful towards Him? We become focused on our own ideas and the light of His glory begins to fade. Our hearts become darkened with foolish thoughts (Romans 1:21). But when we honor and speak highly of God, our focus is on Him!
GLORY to God in the Highest! We praise and glorify the God who gave what that cost Him dearly – His very own Son – because He loved us so much. That Baby became the only person to live on earth without ever making a mistake, without ever sinning. He came to save us from our sins, so that we can have a personal, loving relationship with God, and a home in heaven forever. This is the God we serve. This is the God we glorify. He is the One we praise and say, “Glory to God in the highest, highest heaven.”
When His glory shines on us, the eyes of our hearts are dazzled with the brightness of His glorious plan. Leaving our own thoughts behind, we humbly kneel before Him in wonder and grateful worship of the King of Kings, the Savior of all!
Wonderful message JoAnne. This mornings verse was from Rev. 15:3 “Great and marvelous are your works O Lord God, The Almighty, Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the Nations!” He will rule and reign over the whole earth.
Jeanne, that’s a great verse! Thanks for sharing and for your kind comments.