The Angels' Song - Ben F - Message Only

Devotional

Day 1: The Glory of God Revealed in Creation and Christ

The glory of God is the weighty, awe-inspiring presence that fills all creation and is most fully revealed in Jesus. When we witness a breathtaking sunrise, a starry sky, or the beauty of a mountain, we are glimpsing the kabod—the significance and majesty—of our Creator. The Old Testament describes this glory as a radiant light, a cloud, or a storm, while the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of His being. Every part of creation testifies to God's brilliance, and in Christ, we see the fullness of that glory made personal and present among us. [11:28]

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV):
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Reflection:
When was the last time you were awestruck by something in creation or by the person of Jesus? How can you pause today to recognize and thank God for His glory revealed around you?

Day 2: You Are Crowned with Glory and Honor

As human beings made in the image of God, we are crowned with glory and honor, reflecting His significance and value. Even when we feel ordinary or insignificant, God has breathed His life into us, making us weighty and valuable in His sight. Our worth is not based on our achievements or feelings, but on the Creator’s declaration that we are crowned with kabod. This truth invites us to see ourselves and others as bearers of God’s glory, worthy of love and dignity, and to remember that our moments of weakness or failure do not diminish the value God has placed on us. [16:04]

Psalm 8:3-5 (ESV):
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

Reflection:
What would it look like for you to treat yourself and others as people crowned with God’s glory and honor today?

Day 3: Giving Glory to God—Our Response to His Goodness

When we experience God’s presence, healing, or provision, the natural and appropriate response is to give Him glory—to praise, honor, and direct attention to Him. Throughout the Gospels, people who were touched by Jesus responded by doxazo—praising and glorifying God. We, too, are invited to take the light and significance we have and point it back to the One who is most worthy. Our worship joins with the worship of all creation and all generations, adding our voices and lives to the chorus that declares God’s worthiness. [19:24]

Luke 17:15-16 (ESV):
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Reflection:
Can you recall a specific way God has touched or changed your life? How can you intentionally give Him glory for it today—through words, actions, or worship?

Day 4: Living for God’s Glory in Everyday Life

Bringing glory to God is not limited to singing or special moments in church; it is meant to infuse every part of our daily lives. Whether we are eating, drinking, working, or spending time with friends, we can do everything for the glory of God. This means living in a way that draws attention to His goodness, love, and beauty—reflecting His character in our actions and attitudes. Even the simplest joys and routines can become acts of worship when we intentionally direct our gratitude and praise to God, making our whole lives a spotlight that points to Him. [24:38]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV):
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection:
What is one ordinary activity you will do today (like eating, working, or relaxing) that you can intentionally turn into an act of worship and gratitude to God?

Day 5: Reflecting God’s Glory to the World

We are called to be angled mirrors—reflecting God’s love, power, and glory to the world, and then reflecting all the praise and honor of creation back to God. This calling is not just for special moments but for every day, as we interact with others, serve, and love. When we live in this way, we become part of the angel’s song, drawing people’s attention to the One who is worthy of all glory. Our lives become a testimony that points beyond ourselves to the Creator, inviting others to join in giving Him praise. [23:41]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV):
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Reflection:
Who in your life might see God’s glory reflected through your actions today? What is one specific way you can shine your light and point them to Him?

Sermon Summary

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are invited to reflect deeply on the glory of God—a theme woven throughout the story of the angels and shepherds in Luke 2. The angels’ proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favours,” is not just a poetic line, but a profound declaration about the weightiness, significance, and beauty of God’s presence. The Hebrew word for glory, “kabod,” speaks of something or someone with gravity, reputation, and awe-inspiring presence. In the Old Testament, God’s glory is often revealed in overwhelming ways—clouds, fire, radiant light—manifestations that leave people in awe and sometimes even fear.

Yet, the New Testament reveals a new dimension: Jesus Himself is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of His being. In Christ, the glory of God is made tangible and approachable. The presence of God, which once made Moses’ face shine and filled the heavens, now dwells among us in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit. This presence is not just to be observed, but to be experienced and responded to.

But glory is not only something God possesses; it is also something we, as His image-bearers, are crowned with. Psalm 8 reminds us that humanity is made “a little lower than God and crowned with glory and honour.” Even when we don’t feel glorious, our value and significance are rooted in the Creator’s love and purpose for us. However, our glory is always meant to be directed back to the One who is supremely worthy. The act of giving glory—“kabed” or “doxazo”—is our response to God’s goodness, whether through song, gratitude, or the way we live.

Throughout the Gospels, those touched by Jesus respond by giving glory to God. Our lives, too, are meant to be angled mirrors, reflecting God’s love and beauty to the world and returning all praise and honour to Him. This is not limited to moments of worship in church, but extends to every aspect of our lives—even in the simple joys of eating, drinking, and sharing life with others. Each moment of wonder, each taste of goodness, is an invitation to turn our attention to God and give Him the glory He deserves.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Glory Is His Weighty Presence God’s glory is not just a bright light or a feeling, but the very weight and significance of His presence. It is the awe-inspiring reality that fills creation and reveals His power, beauty, and holiness. When we encounter God’s glory, we are reminded of how small we are and how magnificent He is, drawing us into deeper reverence and worship. [09:53]
2. We Are Crowned With Glory and Honour As those made in God’s image, we carry a reflection of His glory. Even when we feel insignificant, God has crowned us with value and honour. This truth calls us to live with purpose and humility, recognizing that our worth is not self-generated but bestowed by our Creator, who redeems and restores us. [16:38]
3. Giving Glory Is Our Active Response Glory is not only something to observe but something to give. Our response to God’s goodness—through praise, gratitude, and the way we live—shines the spotlight back on Him. Every act of worship, kindness, or gratitude is a way of “doxazo,” giving God the honour He is due, and joining with all creation in praise. [19:24]
4. Everyday Life Can Be Worship Bringing glory to God is not confined to singing or church gatherings. Even in the ordinary—eating, drinking, enjoying creation, or sharing friendship—we can honour God. When we intentionally turn our attention to Him in these moments, our daily lives become acts of worship, reflecting His goodness to the world. [24:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas
[00:51] - The Angel’s Announcement to the Shepherds
[02:15] - The Angel’s Song: Glory to God
[03:18] - Prayer for God’s Presence
[04:25] - Posture of Open Hands
[05:02] - What Is Glory? (Kabod)
[07:07] - Moses and the Radiance of God
[08:24] - The Shepherds’ Encounter with Glory
[09:53] - Creation Declares God’s Glory
[11:28] - Jesus: The Radiance of God’s Glory
[12:55] - God’s Presence Makes Holy
[14:59] - Giving Glory: Kabed and Doxazo
[16:38] - Humanity Crowned with Glory
[19:24] - Our Response: Giving Glory Back
[21:06] - The Heavenly Vision of Worship
[23:41] - Living for God’s Glory Daily
[24:38] - Everyday Acts as Worship
[26:12] - Prayers for Glimpses of Glory
[27:29] - Closing Prayer and Sending
[28:44] - Final Song and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Glory of God and Our Response**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)**
> And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
>
> “Glory to God in the highest,
> and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

**Psalm 8:3-5 (ESV)**
> When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
> the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
> what is man that you are mindful of him,
> and the son of man that you care for him?
> Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
> and crowned him with glory and honor.

**Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)**
> He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

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### Observation Questions

In the story from Luke 2, what was the shepherds’ initial reaction when the angel and the glory of the Lord appeared to them? ([08:24])
According to Psalm 8, what does the psalmist say about humanity’s place in creation and the concept of being “crowned with glory and honor”? ([16:04])
How does Hebrews 1:3 describe Jesus’ relationship to the glory of God? ([11:28])
What are some of the ways the sermon described God’s glory being revealed in the Old Testament? ([07:07])

---

### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the shepherds were “terrified” when the glory of the Lord shone around them? What does this say about the nature of God’s presence? ([08:24])
The sermon mentioned that “glory” (kabod/doxa) is both something God possesses and something we can give. What does it mean for us to “give glory” to God in practical terms? ([14:59])
Psalm 8 says we are “crowned with glory and honor.” How does this truth affect the way we see ourselves, especially in moments when we feel insignificant? ([16:38])
The sermon described Jesus as the “radiance of God’s glory.” How does seeing Jesus as the visible expression of God’s glory change the way we relate to Him? ([11:28])

---

### Application Questions

The angels’ song was “Glory to God in the highest.” What are some practical ways you can give glory to God in your daily life this week, beyond just singing or attending church? ([24:38])
The sermon talked about being “angled mirrors,” reflecting God’s love and beauty to the world and returning praise to Him. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to reflect God’s glory to someone else? How did you respond? ([23:41])
The idea of being “crowned with glory and honor” can be hard to believe when we feel ordinary or unimportant. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to see your God-given value? What would it look like to live out of the truth that you are crowned with glory? ([16:38])
The sermon challenged us to see even ordinary things—like eating, drinking, or enjoying creation—as opportunities to worship God. What is one everyday activity you could intentionally turn into an act of worship this week? ([24:38])
The pastor prayed that we would not just enjoy good things for ourselves, but let them lead us to give glory to God. Is there a specific “good thing” in your life right now that you can use as a prompt to thank and praise God? ([26:56])
Sometimes it’s easier to give God glory in church than in the rest of our week. What are some obstacles that make it hard for you to remember God’s presence and glory outside of church? How could you address one of those obstacles this week? ([25:15])
The sermon mentioned that people in the Gospels responded to Jesus’ touch by giving glory to God. Has there been a time in your life when God answered a prayer or changed you in some way? How did you respond, and how could you share that story to give God glory? ([18:08])

Sermon Clips

There's a moment in Exodus 34 where Moses has been in God's presence for so long receiving the Ten Commandments that it says that his skin on his face literally glows. Think about that for a moment. He has been in the presence of God's glory for so long that his skin is glowing. And the Israelites are freaked out. They have to find something to cover Moses' face. Because it's a bit kind of weird and scary, right? And so that whenever he comes out of God's presence to talk with them, they can kind of deal with it, cope with it. [00:07:24] (41 seconds) #MosesGlow

In Psalm 19, the psalmist starts by saying, the heavens, the sky, the stars, the planets, the galaxies declare the kabod of God. The skies, they proclaim the work of His hands. The whole earth is full of His kabod. The heavens declare the kabod of God. In other words, everything the Creator has created is a sign of His brilliance, of His power, His weightiness, His significance. [00:10:00] (37 seconds) #CreationProclaims

So when we look at an incredible sunrise or a sunset or a beautiful mountain vista or an amazing waterfall or maybe just a clear starry night, the reason we are taken aback, the reason we are struck with awe and wonder and are left breathless sometimes is because creation itself is testifying, is telling us about the glory of the Creator. [00:10:37] (36 seconds) #JesusIsGlory

So in the Old Testament, there are clouds and there's fire and there's storms and there's bright lights that will blow your head off. And now, there's Jesus. Jesus is the manifestation, the literal personification, the incarnation of God's glory in one person. The glory of God is intrinsically linked with God's presence. And the presence of God brings holiness. [00:12:19] (36 seconds) #GivingGlory

As a human being, made in the image of God, you and I, the psalmist says, are crowned with glory and honour. Let that sink in for a moment. You may not feel overly glorious at times. I know I don't. But God made you. And whatever the Creator breathes life into is also a reflection of His glory. You are weighty in the best possible terms. You are significant. You carry immense value. [00:16:18] (50 seconds) #ShineTheLight

So much so that the Creator Himself sent His only Son to redeem your moments of ingloriousness and to rebuild a relationship with you. We are glorious. You and I, we are glorious. But, we are not the most glorious. There is one and only one more glorious than us. One who is more worthy of the spotlight. [00:17:07] (35 seconds) #UnitedInGlory

And it appears several times, even just in the book of Luke, if you narrow down to just the book of Luke, when Jesus heals the man who's lowered down from the roof, remember that story? He gets up and he doxazo, he gives glory to God. When Jesus raises a widow's son back to life, when Jesus heals a crippled woman, a man with leprosy, a blind man, over and over again, when people are touched by Jesus, when they are changed by him, the natural appropriate response is doxazo, to praise, to give glory, to shine the light, to turn the positive attention towards the one who has made us whole. [00:18:25] (60 seconds) #ReflectingGod

So tonight has been a great night of experiencing a little bit of God's glory, just a taste and giving our glory to him through our singing, but it doesn't have to end there. This idea of cabed or doxazo giving glory and giving honor and praise to someone or something isn't limited to just singing songs. It's actually also about the way we live. It's about the way we speak, the way we love one another. we can actually live our lives in such a way that brings more attention and honor to God. [00:23:10] (46 seconds) #AngelSongVibes

``Paul wrote to the church in Corinth and he said, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. According to Paul, even our eating and our drinking can bring doxa to God. How good is that? Who's excited about worshipping God that way a bit more often, hey? Next time you eat and drink something delicious, give glory to God. Allow your taste buds to lead you in worship of our amazing creator. [00:24:38] (37 seconds)

But my second prayer for us is that when these moments come we will not just mindlessly enjoy them for ourselves. But these moments would cause us to bring glory to our creator. The one who tells the sun when to get up and when to go to bed. The one who made the cow for the double cheeseburger. The one who has placed special friends in our lives for this season and this moment. May these moments this week of glimpsing God's glory also cause us to bring him glory in return. [00:26:32] (46 seconds)

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