Psalm of the Day: Psalm 17
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 10:16-32
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-20
We read, in these verses — how the birth of the Lord Jesus was first announced to mankind. The birth of a king's son is generally made an occasion of public reveling and rejoicing. But the announcement of the birth of the Prince of Peace was made privately, at midnight, and without anything of worldly pomp and ostentation.
Let us mark the hymn of praise which the heavenly host sang in the hearing of the shepherds. They said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men."
These famous words are variously interpreted. Man is by nature so dull in spiritual things, that it seems as if he cannot understand a sentence of heavenly language when he hears it. Yet a meaning may be drawn from the words which is free from any objection, and is excellent theology. "Glory to God in the highest!" the song begins. Now the highest degree of glory to God has come — by the appearing of His Son Jesus Christ in the world. He by His life and death on the cross will glorify God's attributes — justice, holiness, mercy, and wisdom — as they never were glorified before. Creation glorified God — but not so much as redemption.
"Peace on earth!" the song goes on. Now the peace of God which surpasses all understanding has come to earth — the perfect peace between a holy God and sinful man, which Christ was to purchase with His own blood — the peace which is offered freely to all mankind — the peace which, once admitted into the heart, makes men live at peace one with another, and will one day overspread the whole world.
"Good will towards men!" the song concludes. Now the time has come when God's kindness and good will towards guilty man is to be fully made known. His power was seen in creation. His justice was seen in the flood. But His mercy remained to be fully revealed by the appearing and atonement of Jesus Christ!
Such was the message of the angels' song. Happy are those who can enter into its meaning — and with their hearts subscribe to its contents. The man who hopes to dwell in Heaven — should have some experimental acquaintance with the language of its inhabitants.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to realize that I am created for your glory and good. Use me today to show everyone the peace and good will that your glory brings.
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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