“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:11-14
An antagonist of our faith once asked me, “How many of your angels can dance on the head of a pin?” My reply was equally as sarcastic, “More than your pea-sized brain could ever comprehend!” Needless to say, I didn’t win a hearing for the Gospel that day. I believe a better question to ask would be “How many angels in heaven sang, ‘Glory to God in the highest,’ on the day that Jesus was born?” I can answer that one with confidence, “All of them!”
There are four hymns of worship and praise in the gospel of Luke, all surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. This one is known as the “Gloria” or the “Angels Song” because it was sung from heaven by a host of angels.
What are angels? Perhaps it’s better to ask, who are angels? Well, they’re not extraordinary humans who have died and gone to heaven and then somehow have been recycled back to earth in spiritual form. The Bible says they are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). They guard us (Psalm 91:11) while they praise God and do his bidding in obeying his word (Psalm 103:21). Some of us may even have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2). I hope we were on our best behavior at the time!
Angels are not some lower form of God, nor are they a higher form of humans. Angels are what they are, created spiritual beings who serve God’s purposes in behalf of his creation on earth and in the heavenly realms. We humans were created a little lower than the angels but only for a season (Psalm 8:5).
How many angels were there who sang the “Gloria” on that immortal day when Christ was born? I believe it was the same number who sang his praises at his resurrection, ascension and coronation in the heavenly realm, “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand . . .” (Revelation 5:11). Now that’s what I call a choir!
Millions of words have been written about this proclamation from heaven but what we need to look at first is what it meant to the Jews. The promised Messiah, the fulfillment of over 400 prophecies, the one whom Isaiah declared would be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and the redeemer of the world had come to earth to save his people (Isaiah 9:6).
We also need to make sure we understand what it means to us. The Savior of our souls was born. God’s promise of reconciliation to himself from our fallen and sinful state, had come. The gospel of John says it like no other verse in Scripture, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
Just as suddenly as the angel appeared, a host of angels cried out in song, “Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest! Glory to God in the highest!” May we, like the shepherds on that night, tell all who will listen, that the Messiah has come and proclaim his glory.
My friends, if you are reading this today and you’re not sure of your salvation you can settle that right now with Jesus by saying a simple prayer of repentance and invite him into your life. If you need help in doing this just click on this link Peace With God and follow the directions.
Before you go, please listen to this beautiful acapella song by Pentatonix called, “Mary, Did You Know?” It’s a classic. Enjoy. Merry Christmas!
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