Advent Trail December 23rd - Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)

God’s glory is the sum total of all his attributes – it’s the splendour, majesty and wonder of who he is and of what he has done. We see something of this glory both in creation and in scripture (Psalm 19:1-2,8) but supremely God and his glory are revealed in Jesus. “He has spoken to us by his Son... The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Heb.1:2-3).

Therefore to God belongs all the honour and praise for such a wonderful act on behalf of humankind. That's made clear by the multitude of angels who now appear, declaring together, “Glory to God in the highest”. This models the response which we too should make, giving glory back to him by recognising what he has done for us and praising him for it, not only in our words but by living “for the praise of his glory” (Eph.1:12).

In order to do that, we need first to be at peace with him and that’s what Jesus came to establish. “He is our peace”, the one who has reconciled us to God through his death on the cross (Eph.2:14,16). This is the favour – the grace – given to us of which the angels speak and because of which “the Spirit of glory and of grace rests on you” (1 Pet.4:14). To God be the glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Jude 24-25; Rev.5:13)