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 favor rests.“ Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, there’s no way to calculate the riches of this declaration. It’s more than we could ever hope or imagine, yet the very relationship for which we long the most. Through the work of Jesus, you’re not just as peace with us; you’ve also adopted us as your beloved children—daughters and sons upon whom your full and permanent favor now rests. All of this is true because the gospel is true. We believe; help our unbelief.
If unredeemed angels were in awe of such good news, how much more should we be staggered and astonished, humbled and grateful, liberated and transformed by it? By your Holy Spirit, enflame our hearts, stir our affections, and restore to us the joy of so great a salvation.
We invest much time and energy seeking favor—wanting to be wanted, longing to be celebrated, and seeking to be acceptable. We look to spouses and kids, education and exercise, vocations and vacations—even to ministry, to give us what you alone give us, so freely and fully in Jesus.
But what a glorious paradox, Father—the more we come alive to the riches of the gospel, the less we obsess about our own lives. We don’t end up thinking more of ourselves, or less of ourselves; we just think of ourselves less often. How beautiful, inviting, and liberating.
Lord Jesus, during this season of Advent, may this old host of angels drive us into new worship of you. O come let us adore you, indeed; for you have lived and died in our place—now raised for our justification, you will return for our glorification. Hallelujah what a Savior! Hallelujah, what a salvation! So very Amen we pray, in your holy and loving name.