Luke 2:13-14

New Living Translation

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

For Encouragement

It all happened quickly on that snowy night—the appearance of an angel, the Shekinah glory that shone around them, the annunciation of the Savior’s birth, and the sign given to them (Luke 2: 8-12). What a moment in history!

But they were poor shepherds, tending their flock at night—out in the fields. Insignificant to Bethlehem and its swelling with returnees for the census, the shepherds may have huddled around the night’s campfire. So, why them? Why should heaven remember them?

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 2:13-14).

What a day for those poor shepherds—when angels came to sing! The orchestra of heaven, prepared for this day from eternity. All of heaven’s hosts and the prophets who predicted the visitation of Immanuel had peeked to know this day but did not see it.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship (Galatians 4:4-5). 

Bethlehem had received her Son, but they did not know.

The Chief Shepherd of our soul was born. He came to call out His flock and to tend them, as they—the shepherds—were doing. Who else, but they must hear the good news first?

They will find Him as a baby, wrapped in cloths and cradled in a manger—with sheep attending Him.

What wonder overwhelmed them! What joy filled their hearts!

They hurried and found Him—God in human flesh—lying in a manger, and they worshipped Him.

As they returned, glorifying and praising God, Bethlehem was fast asleep, oblivious to the incarnation.

Has this wonder captivated your heart yet? Have you seen the glory of the Father in the face of Jesus and experienced the peace He brought on earth (Romans 5:1; 9-10, 13)?