Lisa Sheffler, author
The angels delivered the news that Jesus was coming. The people who had an essential part to play in God’s grand redemptive drama were prepared by those angelic messengers. God was ready to do something extraordinary. He would break into history in a thoroughly unexpected way — by coming in human flesh. The eternal Son of God who had existed in an incomprehensible bond of love with the Father and Spirit since before time began, was coming to live with his creation. Imagine the angels’ anticipation. It was happening!
They just had to wait nine months. Having bound himself to human flesh, the Son of God developed inside his mother’s womb just as every other human has done. The angels eagerly awaited the day when Jesus, the incarnate Son of God took his first breath. On that day, the celebration could start!
At last the angels could make the royal proclamation! They appear in all their glory, astounding a group of shepherds who were tending to their flocks.
Read
Luke 2: 10-14
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Reflect
The message the angel proclaims is not only for the Jewish people, but for all of humanity. All are welcomed to share in the Father’s joy because this newborn is a gift to all people. Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord. Where could this extraordinary child be found? The angel tells the shepherds that he can be found wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Then a legion of heavenly beings burst onto the scene and a multitude of angelic voices offer praises to God. Can we even begin to fathom what that was like? They worship God in heaven and proclaim peace to those on earth “on whom his favor rests.” And to whom is this favor given? Those who respond to his call and receive his salvation. Peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a wholeness that comes from a right relationship with God. When we are reconciled to the Father and yield to his Spirit, peace will not only flood our own souls, but will pour out into our relationships with others.
The path to peace begins with a baby in a manger. This child would grow into the man who casts out demons, heals the sick, and speaks truth with authority. The path to peace leads to the cross where the faultless Son of God bears the sins of humanity. It is from that cross that Jesus cries out to God in agony, but receives no answer (Mark 15:34). The Son lost his peace with the Father so that we might gain it. By his death, we are reconciled to God, and because of Christ’s resurrection, we have the hope of eternal life.
The Creator sacrifices himself for the creation, redeems it, and will one day completely restore it. That is the astonishing plan of God. By putting our faith in the Savior and following him, we can be redeemed and restored too. We can be among those who receive peace because in Christ, God’s favor rests on us.
The salvation God has provided through Christ is amazing, even to the angelic host. 1 Peter tells us, “Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). Don’t let this Christmas season pass by without truly reflecting on the miraculous salvation you have received through Christ.
The shepherds set out immediately to find Jesus. May we all have the same response to the call of God on our lives.
Have you accepted God’s offer of peace through Christ? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?
If so, what does this salvation mean to you? Reflect on the ways following Jesus has changed your life and praise God for the transformation.
If not, what better time of year to make a decision to follow Christ? You can pray to receive him now.