“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
Glory and Peace are the dominant chords of this hymn of praise and gratitude -This first "Christmas carol" is a hymn of faith and salvation. It was to a band of lowly shepherds that this heavenly anthem came, delivered by heavenly messengers to perhaps some of the most humble folk on earth. They were simple, humble men of toil, yet they were the first to receive it, the first to believe it, the first to share the glad tidings.
Glory and Peace - two great needs for our world today, and for all of us living on this swiftly spinning planet. But, notice that the angels’ pronouncement of “Glory to God” precedes “peace on earth” and “good will toward men.” Giving glory to God must always precede peace.
Giving glory to God - putting Him in first place in our lives - is in fact the only way to find true, lasting peace. Glory is praise, it is honor, it means giving a right estimation of the magnificence of God. Glorifying God gets easier and easier the better and better you know Him.
And, what about "peace" - this peace the angels promise? The word for peace here means a harmonious relationship, a reconciliation in which rest and contentment can be found. Doesn't that sound amazing? Rest? Contentment? That peace is all wrapped up in the swaddling clothes in the manger of Bethlehem, and in the robe left at the base of the cross, and in the grave clothes left behind in the tomb. Where Jesus is, is peace.
Today, on Christmas Eve, as we are caught up in the joy and celebration of the season, let's remember the Christmas message of the angels and glorify God in the highest that our season might be not only joyful but filled with the peace of our dear Savior. May we, as the humble shepherds did so long ago, hear and believe, go and share what we have seen and know.
Lord God, we praise Your Holy name, we thank You for sending Your son, Jesus the Christ, as savior of the world, announced by the angels, foretold by the prophets and worshiped by the redeemed. We give glory to You, in the precious name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
Glory and Peace are the dominant chords of this hymn of praise and gratitude -This first "Christmas carol" is a hymn of faith and salvation. It was to a band of lowly shepherds that this heavenly anthem came, delivered by heavenly messengers to perhaps some of the most humble folk on earth. They were simple, humble men of toil, yet they were the first to receive it, the first to believe it, the first to share the glad tidings.
Glory and Peace - two great needs for our world today, and for all of us living on this swiftly spinning planet. But, notice that the angels’ pronouncement of “Glory to God” precedes “peace on earth” and “good will toward men.” Giving glory to God must always precede peace.
Giving glory to God - putting Him in first place in our lives - is in fact the only way to find true, lasting peace. Glory is praise, it is honor, it means giving a right estimation of the magnificence of God. Glorifying God gets easier and easier the better and better you know Him.
And, what about "peace" - this peace the angels promise? The word for peace here means a harmonious relationship, a reconciliation in which rest and contentment can be found. Doesn't that sound amazing? Rest? Contentment? That peace is all wrapped up in the swaddling clothes in the manger of Bethlehem, and in the robe left at the base of the cross, and in the grave clothes left behind in the tomb. Where Jesus is, is peace.
Today, on Christmas Eve, as we are caught up in the joy and celebration of the season, let's remember the Christmas message of the angels and glorify God in the highest that our season might be not only joyful but filled with the peace of our dear Savior. May we, as the humble shepherds did so long ago, hear and believe, go and share what we have seen and know.
Lord God, we praise Your Holy name, we thank You for sending Your son, Jesus the Christ, as savior of the world, announced by the angels, foretold by the prophets and worshiped by the redeemed. We give glory to You, in the precious name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity
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