In Heaven and On Earth

13 Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said,

14 “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

(Luke 2:13–14)

In Heaven and On Earth

Good Day Family,

I love the story of the angels leading the Shepherds to Jesus. Lodged into the announcement is this moment of worship. We receive a glimpse of heavenly worship, and what they say is not surprising. Glory to God and peace on earth are the words of proclamation centering their worship of the Living God who comes to us from heaven to earth.

What’s interesting to me is that Luke does not refer to them as the heavenly chorus. It’s the heavenly forces that join and lead the praise party at the entry of Jesus into the world. The Sovereign of heaven and earth becomes a helpless baby and the forces—the army if you will—of heaven celebrates and declares peace. This gospel does not work the way most of the way works. Most armed forces come with dominance in order to conquer, but this powerful contingent is under the leadership of the Prince of Peace, who burnishes abundant love, surpassing peace, glorious joy, and miraculous hope rather than weapons of war.

Jesus comes as a lowly servant but does not relinquish his power but demonstrates it in countercultural ways. That’s part of the miracle of Christmas, the world is made new and captivated by an infant born to a young woman with the support of her faithful husband.

Glory to God…and Merry Christmas!

Be well,

Pastor Cheryl

Let us encourage one another. Let us love our neighbor. Let us be the church.