Recently I have thought more deeply on the night appearance of the angels to the shepherds. Luke 2:13 tells us a single angel appeared standing in front of them with God’s glory all around them and announcing the birth of Christ. The terrified shepherd had never seen such a thing, but would have been aware of angel appearances in the Old Testament.
What follows is an appearance in the heavens above of massive numbers of angels far to large to count. Wording suggests it could have been thousands or even multiple millions. It was a major event in divine history. It was a turning point in divine history because of the birth of this baby.
What did these angelic messengers do? First, they praised God for what was going on in heaven saying “Glory to God in the highest.” They were praising God in worship for what had been announced by the first angel. Praise does not get any higher than than “the highest”. It was over the top. No heavenly band played either. It does not even say they “sang” but only that they “said” this. We know in retrospect this announcement was infinitely important because this baby was the long awaited Messiah promised in Isaiah in the Old Testament.
The second thing the angels said was “on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased.” Mankind could be at peace with God because of this baby. Even lowly shepherds could be at peace. The plan of redemption was being completed. God’s grace was now revealed in a personal and visible way through this infant. Peace between human beings on earth could be achieved also. Manmade peace is often only “a time to reload.” But this peace is much greater.
This peace is “with whom He is pleased." In other words God Himself chooses who will come into His peace. In reality because of sin every human who ever lived is lost and without hope because of their own sin. Romans 3:10 says, “as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;” Most Americans may not see them self as this bad. But this is what the the God tells us in both testaments.
How could God be pleased with man? It is through what He did through Christ. He would, as an innocent and sinless man, die in our place taking our punishment and giving us His righteousness. We must repent of our sin and put our faith in Him alone as our Savior. John 3:16 and 14:6 are a few of many verses that tell us Christ is the only way to God.
You don’t earn it, work for it, or deserve it—salvation from our sin only happens when God in Christ freely provides it…even the faith to believe it. What about people before Christ’s birth? Simply said they looked forward with the same faith that we look backward to the cross.
Thanks to the Gary & Linda Horton for graciously allowing us use their home for this picture.
As we finish one year and look forward to a new year we ought to take inventory of our understanding of who Christ is and the plan of salvation God provided for us in Christ. Are you certain you are born again as you approach the new year.
As we make the transition from one year to the next I know Nancy and I as well as Pastor Chris and Ruth would wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Pastor Mark
WHAT IS HAPPENING ?
Nancy’s weekly Ladies Bible Study is starting Thursday Jan.7th at 9:30. New study on 1st & 2nd Peter meeting at Harborview Fellowship. Study is also livestreamed at our website so you can watch later.
Pastor Mark’s Men’s Discipleship is starting up again Jan. 2 at 8 a.m. in the new study guide by MacArthur of Philippians. We normally meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at Harborview Fellowship. We will add extra tables for more social distancing and reserve the rear table for those wearing masks. This study is also livestreamed at our website so you can watch later.
Building project volunteers needed New Years weekend. Need help removing carpeting and insulation. The insulation is reusable and free to take or place in the big dumpster. Helping in this way reduces contractor costs. Contact Pastor Mark about access to site.
See recent exciting building project pics by clicking the link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jAmCYJrFrQkLE9Qf9
Check church bulletin on our website www.discoverybaptist.org for more details.