Why didn't John include the Transfiguration story in his gospel?
I think John intended his whole gospel to manifest the glory of Jesus. This is his stated purpose in recording Jesus' "signs" - "This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him." (John 2:11)
The first half of John's gospel is devoted to these signs (often called "The Book of Signs"), the second is focused on Jesus' passion ("The Book of the Passion"). It is John who refers to the crucifixion as the beginning of Jesus' glorification (eg. 12:23f; 13:31; 17:1).
I still don't know why John wouldn't include the story, except that he had one exaltation alone in mind, the one that begin with the "lifting up" on the cross and concluded with the resurrection. In this the Father is glorified (13:31; 17:1f); in this he displays the light and beauty and glory of God the Father.
"Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory..."
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