PEACE: Angel’s song

Summary

The STORY | Luke 2:1-13; 15-21

A Caesar decrees a census to determine how he can better take taxes from his people while God is preparing the greatest gift He can give His people, Himself. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, royal city of long past King David. The town filled with travelers has no room for them and Mary is left to give birth in a stable. The promised King has arrived in the humblest of places, but not without some fanfare. In nearby fields, impoverished shepherds are about to receive the Royal Birth Announcement. An angel of the Lord appears in glory, enough to easily strike great fear in the hearts of these simple men, declaring, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” If one angel appearance is not awe inspiring enough, an entire angel army materializes as a choir singing a short but powerful hymn.

The SONG | Luke 2:14

In the darkness, an angelic choir sings out the brilliant light of God’s glory. As big, mighty, and powerful as God is, this encounter also tells us:

God’s identity–He has revealed himself not with grandeur but in humility. Jesus is the Savior, He is the King, but He has also come as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes resting in a lowly manger. glorious God is incarnated in Jesus who is fully God and fully man.

God is accessible–For the shepherds, and us, Jesus is born “unto you.” God has come down from heaven as the sovereign, without splendor, to the lowest of people so all could have access to God in the highest. God doesn’t interact with us in an idea or worldview but through a person.

God offers peace–Sin has caused an eternal conflict between God and humanity. Peace comes through victory over evil. God’s answer for the conflict of sin is to offer Himself in Jesus (Prince of Peace) so His rebellious people can experience total peace of restored relationship with God. While there is sin in the world, our God “sings” of His glory.