Glory and Peace

Daily Reading:  Luke 2

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2.14)

Devotional Thought:  I love when children participate in our church's Christmas celebrations.  Whether in children's plays, choirs, or service projects, the involvement of children reminds us of how Jesus came as a Baby.  In one church I served, we had a special service called “Fireside Christmas.”  Sitting at the feet of our children’s pastor, the children listened to the Christmas story dressed in their PJ’s!  It was a beautiful sight.  I could imagine Jesus lifting his head to the Father and saying, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Luke 10.21).  I could also imagine angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

When the divine takes up residence in the small, the frail, the helpless, and the weak, then God is glorified.  But beyond that, humanity is blessed: “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”  It is the seeking after power and control that causes the disruption of peace in our world.  We elbow our way to the front of the line, leaving a wake of hostility behind.  Jesus takes the lowest place, bringing peace and calm.  While we seek to associate with the rich, the powerful, the “movers and shakers” of society, God is content to take up residence in the heart of the poor, the outcast, the child.  Once again, do you hear the angel choir: “On earth peace”?

This Christmas season I wonder what would happen if we resolved to do things God’s way?  I wonder how much peace might come our way if we decided that we would give instead of grasp, love instead of lead, forgive instead of forsake.  Something to think about.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the pure joy of children at Christmas.  Help us to celebrate your birth with the wonder and amazement of children.  Reveal to us the glory and peace of your Kingdom.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 133.1-3

1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.