“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!'”
(Luke 2:13-14 ESV)
It may be way too childish a picture, but I can’t help thinking of the multitude of angels that joined the first one and how they came so suddenly. Was there eager competition in heaven to be part of that group celebrating Jesus’ birth? Were they waiting just behind the scenes, wanting the first angel to hurry up? Did other angels have to hold them back?
Yes, these are probably childish pictures—but what is not childish is the clear and overwhelming joy that we see in these servants of God. They are rejoicing with their whole hearts because God has done a wonderful thing for us—He has sent us His own Son Jesus to be our Savior. They can’t help but sing and celebrate!
They celebrate because at long last, God has carried out His promise. Jesus has been born into the world to be our Savior, to set us free from the power of sin, death, and the devil. This is the beginning of God’s great victory, and the dawn of our redemption. What could be more worth singing about?
We Pray: Dear Father, thank You for Your servants the angels, and their joy for us. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When have you been happiest on someone else’s behalf?
* How did you show your joy?
* When you finally meet Jesus face to face, remembering His birth, death, and resurrection for you-what do you think it will be like?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on December 28, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights