“Glory to God in the highest.”

As we came to the end of the semester, I participated in a Christmas production at my school called, “Behold our King.” This was a concert organized by the school choir to celebrate the birth of a King, and also raise resources for their upcoming Asia music tour. As I reflect on my role in the concert and all the words I had to recite or memorize, I could not help but reflect on the amazing announcement of a King and the response by the shepherds.

One of my roles during the concert was to shout out, in my language, the response by the angels to the announcement of a Great King found in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest”..” Utukufu kwa mungu aliye juu mbiguni.”  What an incredible response to God’s gracious intervention to bring a savior.

 The shepherds in this context symbolizes all the ordinary people who have joyfully received the good news, Luke 2:10-11” But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11.today in the City of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”  The term “savior ‘is especially important in this context when Augustus (v.1) also claimed to be the savior of the world. Likewise, “Christ the lord” affirms the unique lordship of Christ with a grand announcement of the arrival of a new ruler. In the OT, especially Psalms and Isaiah, God is frequently referred to as the savior of his people. Jesus is the savior because through him, God will redeem his people

I am super struck if not greatly moved by the reaction and the responses of this Great King. Vs 14“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!” This splendiddoxology, “glory to God in the highest “is the climax of the story. Glory, Doxa, also referring to God’s visible presence. Luke emphasizes the work of Christ on earth. The peace here is that which Messiah brings.

Those who Jesus healed or forgave on the basis of faith could “go in peace” This is a peace that nothing else apart from Jesus can offer. It is not simply an inner disposition or absence of war, but evokes a whole social order of well-being and prosperity, security and harmony. I am marveled at the thought of this historic announcement, I can only imagine what the shepherd must have felt. I imagine Angels standing before them, the glory of the Lord shining around them, as they are filled with fear, receiving words that will change the course of history, I imagine the humble setting of Jesus’ birth and an angelic announcement. Angels announce good news and the effect will be joy to all people. The lord, savior of God’s people had been born .The whole creation would celebrate.

The Christmas story tells the birth of a new king who reveals a new world order. A world under God’s design for the redemption of all people. In this world, there is a place for everyone, and anyone who hears this great news will be filled with Hope, Joy and Peace. As you celebrate Christmas with your family, may this great announcement of a King be of great Joy to you and your family and may the Peace of God, which surpasses every understanding, guard your hearts and your thoughts by Christ Jesus.

MERRY CHRISTMAS