"And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours."
Imagine the scene for the shepherds. They were out in the fields just like every other night doing their work and yet, this particular night was different. Imagine what they must have felt when all at once the angels appeared along with as Luke says"' a great throng of the hosts of heaven''.
Imagine the scene for the shepherds. They were out in the fields just like every other night doing their work and yet, this particular night was different. Imagine what they must have felt when all at once the angels appeared along with as Luke says"' a great throng of the hosts of heaven''.
Then there is the message for us at Christmas in Verse 14. The questions to ponder and to act upon in these 2 verses is to consider
- what happens to me when I am visited by the realms of Heaven in my life?
- How do I praise God?
- How will I provide peace on earth this Christmas?
ACT:
How do I praise God: Here the challenge can be to remember to praise God and pray either now as we prepare for Christmas. We can get caught up in the practicalities
Peace starts with me. Perhaps this hymn from As One Voice may assist.
Visiting relatives at Christmas can be challenging for many families. With the best of intentions, little niggles can become more full blown when in the company of some family members. So visiting relatives is not a peaceful time for many people. It is a chore and a huge spiritual challenge.
If you do not have this challenge, then pray for those families that do. Also count your blessings.
If you do need to visit relatives who are challenging to your values, your own peace of mind or you have nothing in common, then the key is to prepare spiritually first and then devise some strategies for coping. Does God favour you? He gives you His peace. Relatives, even if it is unintentional, can rob your peace if you are not careful. Being physically, emotionally and spiritually prepared for what lies ahead when you visit these relatives is key.
God gives YOU His peace. Be at peace within myself in that peace that God gives and treasure it.
Peace begins with me.
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