ADVENT DAY 21: Dec. 21
Luke 2:13,14
Jesus
13 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 those with whom he is pleased!” ESV
Peace and Glory
By Richard Nolt
The song the Angels sing at Jesus’ birth reminds me of what God the Father announced at Jesus’ baptism.
“. . . when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:21, 22 ESV).
The word “with” stands out to me. God is well pleased with Jesus. Peace comes to people with whom God is pleased. God does not call you to be just a good person. God calls you to be like Jesus. Just like Jesus is with God and Glorifies God, God calls you to be with Jesus! God calls you to glorify Jesus' name!
The angels don’t sing about peace that comes from the world. They sing about peace that comes from being with Jesus. Jesus is a God-pleaser. With him we become God-pleasers, not just good people but Christlike people. By God's grace in Jesus, we can know God’s heavenly peace right here on earth.
Prayer:
God, many people pray for peace, but I know there will not be peace until first of all I and all humankind glorify you and please you. Help me make the surrender to your glory and your will so that peace can be found on the earth. Through Jesus, Prince of Peace, Amen.
