GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST

Some of the most familiar words of the Christmas story are those the angels spoke to the shepherds, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is well pleased. How do we define "glory?" Is it one of those words that we communicate often without a real sense of its true meaning? The New World Dictionary defines "glory" as "worshipful, adoration, praise, splendor, beauty" and "glorify" by the words "exalt and honor God." The Dictionary of New Testament Theology defines glory as "God’s power, honor, and majesty."

Scripture tells us that Christ is the glory of God (John 1:14), creation reveals the glory of God (Psalm 19:1), and Christ would be glorified in his death (John 17:1). We are admonished in I Corinthians 10:31 to glorify God in our eating or drinking or whatever we do. God is glorified in his Son, in his creation, in the redemption of sinners, and in the activities of his children when they live out the normalcy of life with a focus upon him. To glorify God means that my life is God-centered, God-focused, and God-exalting. John Piper states it this way: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

God is glorified in his Son as well as in the death of his Son and the redemption of sinners. Nothing is more important than Christ being at the very center of our lives. Paul was so consumed with the glory of Christ that he said, "Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).

Celebrate Christmas by making Christ the center of your life.