Practicing Glory: a first glimpse of a new study book

new Bible study coming this September

Practicing Glory

worship lessons from a Christmas Pageant

On a dark hillside near Bethlehem, a group of sleepy shepherds are startled awake by the glory of God. Center stage, an angel's mighty voice booms out the joyful news of Messiah's birth. An enormous chorus of angels enters from stage everywhere proclaiming, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!" In the middle of this spectacular message, the angel reveals the location of the Son of God. He's lying in a feeding trough, surrounded by animals. Glory is mingling with dust in a stable and sending invitations to lowly ragged shepherds.

The Baby grows up, and shares the glory:

I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. (John 17:22)
That same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18 GNT)

Jesus Christ calls us and enables to become like Him in attitudes and actions, putting glory into ever-increasing practice in the dust and mud of everyday living.

...Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world. (Philippians 2:12-15)

He calls us to work out (not work for) our salvation as we reverently serve Him and shine for Him.

Doesn't that sound glorious? But what does it look like? How do we practice glory today? Where do we start?

Let's begin by watching a Christmas Pageant. How will this cast of characters worship God in their own unique ways? Have a seat. They’re dimming the house lights, and…curtain!