Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14
What an amazing event this must have been! A multitude of heavenly beings praising God as Bethlehem shepherds watched. The angels were overjoyed because God was overjoyed. The “heavenly host” testified that Jesus, the Son of God, had just been born for the salvation of mankind; God’s plan of salvation was coming to fulfillment.
Heaven must be such a wonderful place that those who have already been received into heavenly glory rejoice that God Himself became man to bring salvation to people from all nations. They are overjoyed that multitudes will share in that heavenly bliss and glory. The angels were proclaiming what God was doing for us, not for them.
They also announced peace to us on earth. Our peace and joy comes from the assurance that God Himself who became one of us has accomplished our salvation. God left nothing to chance so that our salvation could be assured. We no longer have to fear that God might punish us because of our disobedience; instead we rejoice and give Him the praise and glory for bringing salvation to us through Jesus.
Prayer: Lord God, we praise You that through Your Holy Word You have shown us salvation through Your Son, Jesus, that we may live our lives in perfect hope and trust in Your gracious forgiveness. Amen.
© 2006 Lutheran Hour Ministries
These devotions have been written by Rev. Paul and Kaye Wolff. Rev. Paul Wolff is a 1996 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as a pastor in the Detroit area for 10 years. He and co-author wife, Kaye, live in Southfield, Michigan.
Kaye Dumas Wolff is Chairperson of the Black Ministry Church Planting Task Force and a Mission Affiliate of LCMS World Missions where she serves as a training facilitator for laity in evangelism and mission work. Kaye serves on the Advisory Council of the Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and she is a presenter for Lutheran Hour Ministries’ Equipping to Share Workshop.
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Today's Bible Readings: Nehemiah 7-9 Revelation 18
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