“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, good will toward men.”
(Luke 2:13-14)
The birth of Christ was first announced to a group of shepherds by a multitude of holy angels who broke forth in praise because of what God had just done for mankind.
The angels initially declared “Glory to God in the highest,” for this is always God’s first and chief concern. The salvation of sinners is not ultimately about man, but about God’s glory. In sending His Son into the world, God displayed His wisdom, justice, mercy, and grace. Justice was satisfied, mercy was extended, and grace was magnified in Christ. Therefore, the angels begin with God’s glory.
They also proclaimed, “on earth peace, good will toward men.” They were not speaking of a general peace among men, but peace between God and individual sinners through Jesus Christ. By nature, sinners are at enmity with God, under His wrath, and alienated from Him. But because Christ came, peace is restored. As it is written, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 5:1). Christ is our peace, and by His blood He reconciles sinners to God.
This peace does not belong to all men by nature but to those who receive Christ by faith. The angels rejoiced because God was showing good will toward men in providing a Saviour. And yet sadly, many hear of Christ and remain without peace because they do not come to Him. The great duty of sinners is to seek this peace where it is found—in Christ alone.[1]
The angels sang at Christ’s birth, they rejoice at the conversion of sinners, and they minister to God’s children. Yet they never draw attention to themselves, nor do they receive worship. They direct all glory to God and all hope to Christ.
If good will toward men is found in Christ, then sinners must plead for that mercy. And if peace with God comes only through Christ, then it must be sought from God through supplication. The angels proclaimed peace, but we must learn to come to God and ask for what only He can give if we are to receive this glorious gift.
Contemplations:
- True Peace with God. Lord, because I am a sinner both by nature and by choice, I need reconciliation through Christ. I ask that You grant me true peace with Yourself, a peace that can be mine only through the blood of Your Son. Let me know that peace which passes understanding, and teach me to rest in Christ as my savior and only source of peace.
- A Heart That Seeks God’s Glory First. Father, the angels who announced Christ’s birth began their proclamation with Your glory because that should be the first and foremost consideration. And yet I often prioritize myself instead of You. I seek my comfort, my desires, and my ease before I seek Your glory. Change my heart so that I desire above all things that You be glorified in my life. Let my prayers, my thoughts, and my actions be ordered toward Your honor and not toward my own benefit.
- Faith in Christ Alone. Lord, I am often tempted to look to other things for peace—my circumstances, my performance, or the opinions of others. Yet none of these provide peace with God. I ask that You strengthen my faith to trust in the righteousness blood of Jesus Christ alone for my acceptance before You.
- A Right View of Heavenly Things. Father, the angels rejoice in Your work and direct all glory to You. Give me a heart that values what heaven values. Let me rejoice in the salvation of sinners, delight in the glory of Christ, and love what You love. Keep me from being distracted by earthly things, and lift my heart to seek those things which are above, where Christ is.
Prayer (Supplication)
Gracious Father, I come before You seeking that peace which only You can give. You have declared through Your Word that peace is found in Christ, and that apart from Him there is no reconciliation with You. I ask that You grant me a settled peace with You through the blood of Your Son.
I confess that I often seek peace in the wrong places. I look to circumstances, my own efforts, and outward things, hoping they will quiet my heart. Yet none of these can remove guilt or reconcile me to You. Forgive me for seeking peace where it cannot be found, and direct my heart to Christ alone.
Lord, work in me a true and living faith. Keep me from depending on my works, my understanding, or my feelings, but instead rely on Your promise and the finished work of Christ. Strengthen my faith when it is weak and preserve it when it is tried.
I also ask that You order my heart rightly toward Your glory. Teach me to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Let my life reflect the truth that Your glory is greater than my comfort and Your will is higher than my desires. Subdue my selfishness, and give me a heart that delights in honoring You.
As the angels rejoice in Your works, so teach me to rejoice in what You have done in Christ. Let me love Your people, delight in Your truth, and long for the day when I will dwell in Your presence.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References for Luke 2:13-14:
Luke 1:79; Eph. 2:14; Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20
[1] Increase Mather, Several Sermons Wherein Is Shewed, That Jesus Christ Is a Mighty Saviour, 1639-1800; No. 1767 (Boston: B. Green, for Benjamin Eliot, at his shop, 1715), 110–112.
