Luke 2:13-14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
Yesterday, we began looking at the angel’s conversation with the shepherds who came to announce the birth of Jesus. But something happens in the text today that I never really noticed before. In verse 13, it says suddenly, with the one original angel, appeared a multitude of angels praising God. The birth of Jesus was so significant that the heavenly servants came to pay honor in MASS!
But not only was the appearance of a multitude of angels noteworthy, but what they said needs to be discussed. They said two separate things.
1. Glory to God in the Highest
The word glory is a word that is hard to accurately define in english. The closest thing thing that we have is “praise”. Their chant was an expression of giving honor and praise to God for what it means for Jesus to appear on earth. God deserves credit, not only from the multitude of angels, but also from EVERYONE on earth. It is not obvious at this vantage point, but this enormous gift, (the sending of Jesus in human form), to mankind changed the history of mankind and it truly changed the direction of many individual’s eternal destination. For that, not only should we join in the praise of God with our voice, but we should express our gratitude by the manner in which we live our lives!
2. Peace among Men in Whom He is Well Pleased
This part of the angel’s statement of praise expresses the purpose of Jesus’ coming....to bring peace to mankind. The peace in which they speak is not in the traditional sense where there is a cessation of physical violence between two warring countries or peoples, but rather a spiritual peace. This peace is a settling an enmity between God and those that sin.
Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
But that peace, according to the angels is not GIVEN to everyone. It is however offered to everyone!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But the statement that the angels made was that...
Luke 2:14 ...on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
The peace is given to whom God is well pleased! How are we pleasing to God to accept this peace? How then can we receive the peace to be reconciled back to God?
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For Jesus’ birth to have any relevance in our lives, we must take advantage of the offer made in his death. When we do, we will have the true understanding of the praise that the multitude of angels offered that evening. Then we will gladly join the praise with our mouths and with our lives. Praise God for his great and precious gift!
