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

What do you think it looked like, the glory of the Lord that is?  Imagine being a shepherd so many years ago.  What did the night sky look like once the angel of the Lord came?  I’ve come to liken it with bright, fluorescent lights after seeing so many Christmas pageants.  But perhaps it was so much more.  What if the light was bright and glittery or if it wasn’t a light at all, yet a combination of colors displayed like a magnificent rainbow?  Whatever the case, it was magnificent.  Awesome.  And terrifying. 

As we conclude our study of Philippians at this most marvelous time of year, I can think of no better verse to finish on than Phil. 4:20: “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”  What if we took the images of glory we just conjured up and gave them back to God.  After all, the old cliché tells us it’s better to give than to receive.  Now of course I’m not saying that we can create a glory equal to that of God’s, nor do I believe our praises can fuel the glory of God.  But what if we incorporated glory into next year’s resolutions?  What if we determined to give our God and Father glory for ever and ever, or, for starters, every day of 2011?  What might that look like in our lives?  In the lives of our loved ones?  Even in the lives of people we don’t even know yet or maybe never will.  As I think about all of us praising God glory while talking to a cashier, dentist, colleague or anyone else, I’m left with only one word.

Glory.

Last week was my birthday. If you have any type of celebration that occurs in December, you know that we are the blessed ones. At least that’s what I tell myself. Who else has the privilege of competing with a big holiday like Christmas? Who else is handed a nicely wrapped package (in Christmas wrap) and told, “Now this gift is for your birthday and Christmas.” I hardly doubt those with June birthdays hear that.

I will admit that has happened a time or two to me, but for the most part I have wonderful friends and family who make the two celebrations very distinct. Among the very nice birthday gifts I received last week, there is one that stands out in my mind. A girlfriend of mine gave me a very nice ice bucket. You might be thinking practicality. My seven-year-old daughter certainly thought that. She looked at it and said, “Oh good Mom, now we have something to take with us when we stay at hotels.”

All joking aside though, I LOVE my new ice bucket! It’s something I have needed for a long time. If you have ever been to my house for dinner, you know this, as I have to send my guests to the freezer to get their own ice. Not quite my idea of being a good hostess. It just so happens that my girlfriend picked up on the “ice situation” when she visited, and made note of it. We had a good laugh when I opened the gift. But I know whenever I serve ice in my new ice bucket, I will be reminded of her and her beautiful friendship.

We are almost to the end of our study on Philippians. As Paul winds down his letter to the church in Philippi he discusses this very topic of gifts in regards to the financial support of his ministry.

“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Philippians 4:14-16”

Do you see how Paul’s focus is on the giving and receiving, not on the specific need or the specific gift? Think about that. All we know is that Paul was in need and this church provided for him. In our consumer-minded society how often do we focus on the gift? Or the amount someone spent? Whether it was on our wish list? Or do we immediately look for a gift receipt to exchange it?

We have all received unique gifts. They trigger a memory and bring a smile to our face, but most of all they remind us of the one who gave the gift. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a spray of perfume, or a much needed item for entertaining guests; gifts are all about the relationship between the giver and the receiver.

“They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18b”

Merry Christmas to all our readers! We are truly honored to write for you each week!

In Love and Prayers,

Krista, Michele and Stacy