Read Luke 2:1-14 

Luke 2:9 “An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified.”

What does this mean that the glory of the Lord shone around them and it was terrifying?

glory (def)- the weighty importance and shining majesty which accompany God’s presence. HBD

The movie “Glory” [Image: Movie Graphic].  Why it’s title?  Their presence for all the meaning and valor on display that was extraordinary. 

The primary biblical narrative is the glory of God. 

1. Glory, glorious, or to glorify is mentioned 349x in scripture with a 199 OT to 155 NT split.
   
   
2. The presence of God is unlike anything else; thus it creates both fear and awe.

• Moses’ countenance radiated because he was enveloped on Mt. Sinai by the presence of God. Exodus 34:29-35
• People knew he had been with God. The glory of God was now reflected by Moses.
• It gave credibility to his leadership and influence.

3. The presence of God, his glory, can be revealed in his creation, and in his work in the hearts of people.

• We were created for his glory. Isaiah 43:5-7
• The whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3
• Our words and service are a work of his glory. 1 Peter 4:11

4. Acknowledging and giving Him glory is the greatest thing you or I could do.
    1 Corinthians 10:31

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Westminster Shorter Catechism

“…the final cause…was that we might glorify his name by revealing the riches of his grace, and of his boundless mercy.” Calvin   

The purpose of Jesus’ coming was to bring glory to God.  John 17:1-5

• Jesus petitions the Father to receive glory so that he could give glory. (1)
• By doing the work of the Father he was giving glory to the Father. (4)
• The glory found in the presence of God has infinitely existed. (5)

Jesus’ prayer for us was to receive and reveal this glory.  John 17:22-23

• God gave glory to the Son, and the Son gave glory to the believers. (22)
• This was to bring unity to the church and testify to the world the glory of God and the Son as being one. (23)

Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Benediction:

He is here, and his coming is the glory of God revealed to the world!