Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Today’s title is “Glory and Peace Unto You”

God has created all men free and equal. That is the most foundational teaching of the Bible. All men are equal before God. But after sin entered into humanity, people began to make classes and segregate each other for selfish gains. A great majority of people fell victim to it. There has been a constant struggle to abolish segregation throughout history. We have made some progress. Minorities and outsiders gained access to some political rights that they had not enjoyed before. Many systematic segregations have been abolished or reduced. I personally believe that much progress has been made possible through the consistent preachings and proclamations of the biblical truth. The abolition of slavery in Britain and in America was certainly grounded on it. How could you miss the mind of God when He explicitly shows greater concern and compassion for the underprivileged and disregarded? We see God’s concern and compassion for the underprivileged throughout the bible. But what happened to the shepherds at the first Christmas certainly is the best example of such a compassionate heart of God. God has chosen shepherds who were living out in the field keeping watch over their flocks at night to be the first people to hear the good news of Christmas. Who were the shepherds? They were the outsiders of the time openly disregarded by the community. The fact that they were out in the field at night shows their place in the community clearly. They were not a respected or trusted group of people in the community. They were even not readily admitted to the temple worship. Was it because they were filthy and smelly because of their constant proximity to the sheep? I don’t know. But God has chosen them to hear the good news first as if they are the ones who need the Christmas message first and foremost. That’s the heart of God. That’s the heart of Christmas. Where do you find your place in your community? Are you one of those underprivileged or disregarded? Do you find it difficult to fit in? Are you not getting any respect from anybody? Do you feel as if you are out in the field at night alone? Then, the Christmas message is for you. God wants you to hear what the angel says to you, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you!”. God wants to surround you with His glory and peace. Now it‘s your turn to rejoice in the good news and tell it to the world like the shepherds at the first Christmas. Merry Christmas!