Reading the Word

Luke 2:10–14 (ESV) — 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Understanding and Applying the Word

We are told that there was a multitude of the heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds. This description matches how one might speak of an invading army. In these verses we read of the heavenly army. However, the message of this army is different than we would expect. Armies come to declare war. This army of angels came to declare peace.

The birth of Christ was for the purpose of establishing peace between God and mankind. We are all sinners and enemies of God, but Jesus came to pay the debt for our sins and make us the friends of God. Jesus accomplished this by living a sinless life and offering himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. When we repent of our sins and trust in Christ’s sacrifice, we are forgiven and promised eternal life. This is all possible because Christ came into the world as a baby so many years ago. That is something to celebrate!

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