PONDER: GLORY!

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. ~John 1:14

The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. ~John 1:14 MSG

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed…
The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ~John 17:1-5, 22-24

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. ~Daniel 7:13-14

God said, “Let light shine out of darkness.” [Genesis 1:3] He made his light shine in our hearts. His light gives us the light to know God’s glory. His glory is shown in the face of Christ. ~2 Corinthians 4:6

What words or phrases stand out to you (what is the Spirit highlighting to you)? Why do you think this is?
How would you describe God’s glory? Where or how have you seen it?
What might God be saying to you? To your neighbours?
How might the Spirit be nudging you to respond?

You might want to journal your responses.

PRAYER PROMPTS

How will we open your eyes to see Him
The Light, the Truth, the Glory?
Interfering
Persevering
Engineering
New life veering
You, me, of debts clearing
Turning
My heart toward the light
Warmth, comfort, now in sight
The Saviour-King is nearing
Light of the world — now in flesh appearing…
Love so transparent, so inviting, so endearing…
God fearing, rehearing, re-steering
My heart toward the light
Warmth, comfort, glory bright!
Glory in the heavens and on earth
Glory in the faces of my neighbours
Glory in our simple labours
Glory in the space between
Silent, sacred yet unseen
Glory for the lost and lonely
Glory for the hopeless, hapless, homely.
Glory in our flesh and blood
That’s The Story
My heart toward the light
Warmth, comfort, glory bright!
Glory in the heavens and on earth
Glory in Redemption’s brilliant birth.

PRACTICE: EATING TOGETHER (FRIDAY FEAST DAY)

I should like a great lake of finest ale, for the King of Kings
I should like a table of the choicest food, for the family of heaven.
Let the ale be made from the fruits of faith, and the food be forgiving love.
I should welcome the poor to my feast, for they are God’s children.
I should welcome the sick to my feast, for they are God’s joy.
Let the poor sit with Jesus at the highest place, and the sick dance with the angels
God bless the poor, God bless the sick, and bless our human race.
God bless our food, God bless our drink, all homes, O God, embrace.
Attributed to St Brigit of Kildaire, (The Book of Kells), 5th-century Irish saint, famed for her hospitality.

It’s New Year’s Eve!

With whom will you feast and celebrate?
How will embody and share that the Kingdom of God is a party, as you bid farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022?

Share some ideas in the comments…

How might you reflect together and encourage one another?
What do you want to take with you from the covid year that has passed?
What do you want to leave behind?
What you are looking forward to in 2022?