“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

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DECEMBER 10, 2024

It was not a silent night, but it was a holy night. The host of heaven descended, filling the night sky with joyful proclamation: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.  

Peace between God and creation was initiated through the Messiah. The war was over. The enmity between God and human sin would be broken and removed. This was God’s doing. God was coming close, making a way for men and women, boys and girls, to be reconciled to Himself.

This world-changing event called for celebration! The angels in heaven could not keep quiet but raised their voices in praise. God was on the move. Planet earth was invaded in a distant corner of the Roman Empire by God Himself. Redemption was coming, and there could be no stopping it. The peace from God proclaimed by the heavenly host was shalom, a condition of wellbeing where all of creation is set right. Shalom is a state of completeness, wholeness, and purposefulness. God was providing new life to helpless humanity drowning without hope.

The grace of God brings peace between the Creator and creation. Christmas is the commemoration of God entering human existence as one of us! God emptied Himself and took the form of a servant, to provide for us what we could never provide for ourselves. God took the initiative on our behalf, while we were yet sinners. He saw our need and drew near in the ultimate expression of God’s love for the world.

What a gift! This love, this joy, is ours because of God’s initiation and incarnation. This is the glory of God, the manifest expression of His love for us.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • If we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, how should we celebrate Christmas?
  • How could reflecting on the Christmas story lead to a conversation about peace with God?
  • What would you say is your reason for joy at Christmas?

 

Church Reading Plan: Zephaniah 2; Luke 24