The Angels’ Song
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-15
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
On the night Jesus was born, shepherds near Bethlehem were watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel told them good news: the Savior of the world had been born! Then the angel was joined by a great chorus of angels, whose song has echoed throughout history ever since: “Glory to God in the highest heaven. . . .”
The coming of Jesus, the Savior, is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. The Bible says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18). All praise belongs to God for what he has done.
The angels also sang, “And on earth peace. . . .” Our world is torn apart by warfare among nations and strife between people. We desperately need peace. Only through Christ will true peace come on earth. We read in Colossians 1:19-20, “For God was pleased . . . to reconcile to himself all things . . . by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
In The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren made a statement that has stuck with me over the years: “It’s not about you. . . . It’s all about God.” The angels understood that when they sang the closing line of their song: “. . . to those on whom his favor rests.” Our salvation, from beginning to end, is the gracious work of God.
We give you all glory, Lord God, for your great salvation. May we, like the shepherds of old, waste no time in acknowledging you as our Savior and Lord. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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