Glory to God in the Highest

Key Bible Passage:

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:8-20) 

Reflect:

Many of us have a low view of God, and culture reinforces this view. Luke 2, however, invites us to proclaim, with God’s army of heavenly angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Calling Christ our high priest forever, Hebrews 7:25-27 describes him as “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” (NIV)

Jesus didn’t arrive with the pomp and circumstance the Jews expected. Instead, God gave lowly shepherds quite a show–one better than military fireworks on the 4th of July! When these humble folk “made known” the good news, “all who heard it wondered.” 

Respond:

  • Get outside today and actively marvel at the gift of God’s glory revealed in nature.