"Soli Deo gloria is a Latin term for Glory to God alone. It has been used by artists like Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Christoph Graupner to signify that the work was produced for the sake of praising God. The phrase has become one of the five solae propounded to summarise the Reformers' basic beliefs during the Protestant Reformation.We go to attend a performance of Handel's Messiah this afternoon. And we recall "soli Deo gloria" was Handel's view, centuries ago.As a greeting, it was used by monks in Cistercian and Trappist monastic orders in written communication.[1]
As a doctrine, it means that everything is done for God's glory to the exclusion of mankind's self-glorification and pride. Christians are to be motivated and inspired by God's glory and not their own.
When I lived in Cleveland, every December we would go to see it performed by the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and their choir.
It was glorious! The best part to me was the audience got to sing the choruses with the choir. After we sang the Hallelujah Chorus, we cheered so much, the conductor let us sing it again.
I love Christmas. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
I know you’ll have a wonderful time.