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"Glory to God in the Highest" Announced to the Lowest
By Danny Saavedra
“There were some shepherds living in the same part of the country, keeping guard throughout the night over their flocks in the open fields. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by their side, the splendour of the Lord blazed around them, and they were terror-stricken. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Listen, I bring you glorious news of great joy which is for all the people. This very day, in David’s town, a Saviour has been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord. Let this prove it to you: you will find a baby, wrapped up and lying in a manger.’ And in a flash there appeared with the angel a vast host of the armies of Heaven, praising God, saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest Heaven! Peace upon earth among men of goodwill!’ When the angels left them and went back into Heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Now let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us.’” Luke 2:8–15 (PHILLIPS)
Years ago, I attended a worship concert with my wife and a few friends. It was an experience! I love live music, and I’ve been to some awesome performances. I've even sung in some epic concerts and operas, but no musical experience I had up to that point could compare with that night in Miami. Hearing more than 20,000 people in unison singing to the Lord, passionately worshiping Him, is something I still remember vividly today. That concert was later made into a live album. Each time I listen, I’m moved particularly when the audience sings along with the musicians—sounding like one unified voice. I wish you could have been there!
In Luke 2:10–14, we read about the greatest concert in history: the night the angels filled the sky to declare, “Glory to God in the highest Heaven! Peace upon Earth among men of goodwill!” I love the J.B. Phillips translation of this passage because it says “a vast host of the armies of heaven" implying a large number of angels—possibly over 70,000. You could say this was the army of the Great King proclaiming the greatness of the Lord on the night His Son—the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—was born!
Imagine being a shepherd in the fields on this night. Just try to picture this indescribable scene of close to 100,000 angels filling the sky, praising in unison. Believe me, whatever picture you have in your head right now, no matter how awesome, fantastical, and majestic - cannot do justice to the epic concert on that world-changing night when Christ was born. And it was all done to declare the good news that the Savior had been born unto us . . . the One who would bring peace to Earth.
There has never been, nor ever will be, news more spectacular than the Son of God becoming the Son of Man to deliver humanity from its fallen state. Nothing comes close! But if you ask me, the angelic host isn’t the most amazing and beautiful part of this moment. I know what you’re probably thinking: Danny, what have I missed here that could be more amazing than the angel army singing praises to God? Well, it’s whom God chose to host this concert for! Of all the people He could have chosen to be the first to receive the news of Christ’s birth, He chose shepherds!
What’s wrong with shepherds? They seem like a tender bunch of well-bearded, animal-loving guys. To put it mildly, shepherds weren’t at the top of anyone’s social list in Biblical times. They were constantly around filthy animals and spent most of their lives outdoors rather than indoors. It doesn’t take much imagination to envision how soiled, stained, and smelly these men were.
Beyond these outward issues, shepherds had a reputation for being social outcasts. Many regarded themselves as no better than the animals they lived alongside as opposed to being men made in the image and likeness of God. There’s even ancient evidence that shepherds weren’t allowed to testify in court!
So, I marvel at what God did by choosing these men to be the first to receive the greatest news of all time! This incredible, indescribable scene where angels declared “Glory to God in the highest” was announced to those society deemed to be among humanity’s lowest. These men probably never imagined that anyone would share anything important with them, much less God telling them the Savior of the world had arrived!
This shows us that God does things differently than we do. When you think about it, this aspect of His character is why there even is a Christmas in the first place! If God did things the way we would, He wouldn’t have sent His most precious Son to suffer and die on our behalf so that we may have peace with Him—and mercy and love wouldn’t have triumphed over sin and death. Praise God that He’s so different from us! May our remembrance of this reality not only make this Christmas very merry, but I pray it will also inspire us to follow the example of the shepherds and “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17 NIV)!
Pause: What does it tell us about God that the first people who were told about the birth of Jesus were outcasts?
Practice: Proclaim the good news today! Go Christmas caroling in your neighborhood or make Christmas cards and take them to an elderly home.
Pray: Dear Lord, I marvel at this incredible story of Your power, glory, and majesty displayed not only in the angelic host praising and declaring “Glory to God in the highest” but also in the much humbler sight of the birth of a Child in what was essentially a stable for animals. The highest King was born in the lowest place and announced to the lowest class. Precious Jesus, You brought Yourself low to bring us high and into Your kingdom as fully loved and accepted sons and daughters. I praise You as I’m reminded of another verse where You speak of a celebration in Luke 15:10 (NLT), where You told us, “There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” This is why You came . . . for every single one of us! You are truly amazing, Lord. Amen.
