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Glory to God in the Highest

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And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
(Luke 2:9-15 KJV)

(The angels) had been present on many august occasions, and they had joined in many a solemn chorus to the praise of their Almighty Creator. They were present at the creation: “The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” They had seen many a planet fashioned between the palms of Jehovah, and wheeled by his eternal hands through the infinitude of space. They had sung solemn songs over many a world which the Great One had created. We doubt not, they had often chanted “Blessing and honour, and glory, and majesty, and power, and dominion, and might, be unto him that sitteth on the throne,” manifesting himself in the work of creation. I doubt not, too, that their songs had gathered force through ages. As when first created, their first breath was song, so when they saw God create new worlds then their song received another note; they rose a little higher in the gamut of adoration. But this time, when they saw God stoop from his throne, and become a babe, hanging upon a woman’s breast, they lifted their notes higher still; and reaching to the uttermost stretch of angelic music, they gained the highest notes of the divine scale of praise, and they sung, “Glory to God in the highest,” for higher in goodness they felt God could not go. Thus their highest praise they gave to him in the highest act of his godhead. If it be true that there is a hierarchy of angels, rising tier upon tier in magnificence and dignity—if the apostle teaches us that there be “angels, and principalities, and powers, and thrones, and dominions,” amongst these blest inhabitants of the upper world—I can suppose that when the intelligence was first communicated to those angels that are to be found upon the outskirts of the heavenly world, when they looked down from heaven and saw the newborn babe, they sent the news backward to the place whence the miracle first proceeded, singing

“Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your downward flight to earth,
Ye who sing creation’s story,
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth;
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.”

And as the message ran from rank to rank, at last the presence angels, those four cherubim that perpetually watch around the throne of God—those wheels with eyes—took up the strain, and, gathering up the song of all the inferior grades of angels, surmounted the divine pinnacle of harmony with their own solemn chant of adoration, upon which the entire host shouted, “The highest angels praise thee.”—“Glory to God in the highest.” Ay, there is no mortal that can ever dream how magnificent was that song. Then, note, if angels shouted before and when the world was made, their hallelujahs were more full, more strong, more magnificent, if not more hearty, when they saw Jesus Christ born of the Virgin Mary to be man’s redeemer—“Glory to God in the highest.”

From Charles Spurgeon’s sermon, titled The First Christmas Carol. This sermon is available in the Blue Letter Bible commentaries along with several others. Feel free to peruse the archives for more free content.

Comments

  1. Thank you for posting this. I’ve never thought about it from the angels’ perspective. What a great, powerful, wise, loving Savior we have in Jesus Christ the Lord. I’ve had a long week. I needed this reminder. God bless.

  2. Wow that was indeed powerful. Where is man’s praise to our creator? As the angels asked th question of God, “What is man that thou arth mindful of him”? Let us remember THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! It’s ALL about JesUS not US!!!!!!!!

    • Yes Liz, back to Jesus. Not us indeed. Hopefully we won’t get off on some tangent like the Logos discussion starting post 1

      Parallel Gospels
      http://parallelgospels.org/

      Parallel Gospels

      The Four Gospels Paralleled or A Harmony of the Gospels
      © Books for Living, Inc.

      http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/john/1.htm

      <>
      Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

      An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. John

  3. Today’s Subject: Angels Announcement

    Parallel Gospels
    http://parallelgospels.org/

    The Four Gospels Paralleled or A Harmony of the Gospels
    © Books for Living, Inc.

    10. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem

    11. The Song of the Angels to the Shepherds near Bethlehem

    Luke 2:8-20

    http://kingjbible.com/luke/2.htm
    http://kjvs.scripturetext.com/luke/2.htm

    Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible Chapter 2
    http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/luke/2.htm
    (read from top down then relevent for today:

    I. See here how the shepherds were employed; they were abiding in the fields adjoining to Bethlehem, and keeping watch over their flocks by night, v. 8. The angel was not sent to the chief priests or the elders (they were not prepared to receive these tidings), but to a company of poor shepherds, who were like Jacob, plain men dwelling in tents, not like Esau, cunning hunters. The patriarchs were shepherds. Moses and David particularly were called from keeping sheep to rule God’s people; and by this instance God would show that he had still a favour for those of that innocent employment. Tidings were brought to Moses of the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt, when he was keeping sheep, and to these shepherds, who, it is probable, were devout pious men, the tidings were brought of a greater salvation. Observe, 1. They were not sleeping in their beds, when this news was brought them (though many had very acceptable intelligence from heaven in slumbering upon the bed), but abiding in the fields, and watching. Those that would hear from God must stir up themselves. They were broad awake, and therefore could not be deceived in what they saw and heard, so as those may be who are half asleep. 2. They were employed now, not in acts of devotion, but in the business of their calling; they were keeping watch over their flock, to secure them from thieves and beasts of prey, it being probably in the summer time, when they kept their cattle out all night, as we do now, and did not house them. Note, We are not out of the way of divine visits when we are sensibly employed in an honest calling, and abide with God in it.

    • Matthew Henry Luke 2

      http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/luke/2.htm

      IV. The angels’ doxology to God, and congratulations of men, upon this solemn occasion, v. 13, 14. The message was no sooner delivered by one angel (that was sufficient to go express) than suddenly there was with that angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts; sufficient, we may be sure, to make a chorus, that were heard by the shepherds, praising God; and certainly their song was not like that (Rev. 14:3) which no man could learn, for it was designed that we should all learn it. 1. Let God have the honour of this work: Glory to God in the highest. God’s good-will to men, manifested in sending the Messiah, redounds very much to his praise; and angels in the highest heavens, though not immediately interested in it themselves, will celebrate it to his honour, Rev. 5:11, 12. Glory to God, whose kindness and love designed this favour, and whose wisdom contrived it in such a way as that one divine attribute should not be glorified at the expense of another, but the honour of all effectually secured and advanced. Other works of God are for his glory, but the redemption of the world is for his glory in the highest. 2. Let men have the joy of it: On earth peace, good-will toward men. God’s good-will in sending the Messiah introduced peace in this lower world, slew the enmity that sin had raised between God and man, and resettled a peaceable correspondence. If God be at peace with us, all peace results from it: peace of conscience, peace with angels, peace between Jew and Gentile. Peace is here put for all good, all that good which flows to us from the incarnation of Christ. All the good we have, or hope, is owing to God’s good-will; and, if we have the comfort of it, he must have the glory of it. Nor must any peace, and good, be expected in a way inconsistent with the glory of God; therefore not in any way of sin, nor in any way but by a Mediator. Here was the peace proclaimed with great solemnity; whoever will, let them come and take the benefit of it. It is on earth peace, to men of good-will (so some copies read it), en anthroµpois eudokias; to men who have a good-will to God, and are willing to be reconciled; or to men whom God has a good-will to, though vessels of his mercy. See how well affected the angels are to man, and to his welfare and happiness; how well pleased they were in the incarnation of the Son of God, though he passed by their nature; and ought not we much more to be affected with it? This is a faithful saying, attested by an innumerable company of angels, and well worthy of all acceptation, That the good-will of God toward men is glory to God in the highest, and peace on the earth.

  4. And what is the actual sound of those praises? The Holy Spirit expresses the supernatural in terms that we can understand. But the dimension of heavenly beings is surely beyond our comprehension. Surely those shepherds made it to heaven, and we will be able to communicate with them there. Will we be able to see that moment in replay?! Exciting! Unimaginable!

  5. ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

    http://www.songsandhymns.org/hymns/detail/angels-we-have-heard-on-high

    Angels We Have Heard on High
    Listen [ Real Audio | Mp3 ]
    Read [ Lyrics | Sheet Music ]

    Devotional:

    Sheep scattered around, the shepherds settled in for another quiet night, probably swapping stories as they watched the flocks. Then, in a divine moment, God burst into the night. Angels appeared, singing songs and speaking of the Savior’s birth. And suddenly, the shepherds’ ordinary lives were transformed-becoming part of a story that’s lived for thousands of years.

    Angels We Have Heard on High” reminds us of this amazing night. In the beautiful strains of its chorus, this carol helps us experience a taste of what that angel chorus might have sounded like as it proclaimed the “good news.”

    Christ’s birth certainly was good news to those simple shepherds. The Savior changed their lives forever. And God still loves to speak to ordinary people and transform their lives into something extraordinary through his grace.

    As we sing of the angels’ great announcement, let’s remember that God still wants to announce the “good news” today, using people like you and me. Helping a family in need, sharing the gospel story with a prisoner, encouraging a friend who’s going through tough times-in these and countless other ways we can announce Jesus’ birth to the “shepherds” of our day.

    Through our words and actions, we can show that Jesus still lives in the hearts of man. So in this Christmas season, and all through the coming year, let’s continue the angel song. Let’s tell the world all about Jesus, and how he’s changed our lives forever.

  6. 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves but our sufficiency is of GOD

    John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man but these things I say that you might saved

    John 5:43 I am come in my FATHERS name and you receive me not if another shall come in his own name him you will receive

    John 5:44 How can you believe which receive honor from one another and seek not the honor that cometh from GOD only

    Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding

    Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding therefore I hate every false way

    Psalm 119:24 Thy testimonies also are my delight they are my counsellors

    Psalm 119:169 Let my cry come near before thee O LORD give me understanding according to thy word

    Psalm 119:146 I cried unto THEE save me and I shall keep thy testimonies

    Proverbs 2:10-13 When wisdom entereth into thine heart and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul (11) discretion shall preserve thee understanding shall keep thee (12) To deliver thee from the way of the evil man from the man that speaks froward things (13) who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness

    Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding (6) in all thy ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall direct thy paths (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes FEAR THE LORD and depart from evil

  7. Somewhere in a field near Bethlehem, this angel tells a lowly group of frightened shepherds that their Savior was born. He calmed their fears, filled their hearts with hope, and then instructed them to go see for themselves “a Babe lying in a manger.” This was the angel’s job, it is what he was sent to do. He proclaimed the Christmas gospel of Immanuel – God with us.

    But this gospel doesn’t end with a Baby in a manger. Thirty-three years later, this same angel (I like to think so anyway) finds Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, anxiously considering any alternative to the Father’s plan of redemption.

    And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. (Luke 22:41-43)

    Jesus was asking if there might be any other way to save the souls of men than for Him to bear the wrath of God on man’s behalf. I picture the tears in the angel’s eyes as he watches his Lord, the Captain of the heavenly host, agonize over becoming the sacrifice for sin. Yet, because this angel was given the incomparable task of encouraging God’s Messiah, I imagine him steadying his own heart and gently saying: “My Lord, it was my humble privilege to tell them You had come. I told them their Savior was born. My Lord and my King, if You do not do this, they will be lost forever. Only You can do it my Lord, and You CAN do it.”

    Oh how often I’ve needed to hear those words – “you can do it!” You can make it through this struggle, Tim. You can overcome that stronghold. You can say to the Devil, “NO MORE!” all because our Lord went from the manger to the cross. And along the way the angels were there with words of assurance and comfort.

    This Christmas season, as you are cleaning up ribbons and bows, and putting away boxes of lights and tinsel, when you pack up the nativity scene, be sure to take the Babe out of the manger and put Him next to the encouraging angel – so they can talk.

    Gracious Father, thank You for the good news. Thank You for the Babe who became the Man. Thank You for the cross, and for the encouragement of angels.

    • Wow Tim!

      Beautifully stated. I needed to hear this right now. The Angel part such a comfort. I’d like to think there is an angel taking care of each human being!

  9. Deuteronomy 18:18&19 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee and will put MY words in HIS mouth and HE shall speak unto them all that I shall command HIM (19) and whosoever will not hearken unto the words which HE shall speak in MY name I will require it of him

    Acts 3:22&23 Moses truly said unto the fathers a prophet shall the LORD your GOD raise up unto you even of your brethren like unto me HIM shall you hear in all things whatsoever HE shall say unto you (23) for the time will come that every soul which will not hear that same prophet shall be destroyed from among the people

    Hebrews 1:2&3 Hath in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON whom HE hath appointed heir of all things by whom also he hath made the worlds (3) who being the brightness of HIS glory and the express image of HIS person and upholding all things by the word of HIS power when HE had by HIMSELF purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the MAJESTY on high

    John 15:2 Every branch in ME that beareth not fruit HE taketh away and every branch that beareth fruit HE purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit

    Romans 11:20-23 Well because of unbelief they were broken off and thou standest by faith be not highminded but FEAR (21) for if GOD spared not the natural branches take heed lest HE also spare not thee (22) behold therefore the goodness and severity of GOD on them which fell severity but towards thee goodness IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF

    Colossians 1:22&23 In the body of HIS flesh through death to present holy & unblameable and unreproveable in HIS sight (23) IF YOU CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED AND BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL which you have heard and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven wherefore I Paul am made a minister

    1st Corinthians 15:1&2 Moreover brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you which also you have received and wherein you you stand (2) BY WHICH ALSO YOU ARE SAVED IF YOU KEEP IN MEMORY WHAT I PREACHED UNTO YOU unless you have believed in vain (see 1st Timothy 1:9-11)

    Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it but whosoever shall lose his life for MY sake and the gospels the same shall save it

    Psalm 50:23 whoso oferreth praise glorifieth ME and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of GOD

    John 15:9&10 As the FATHER hath loved ME so have I loved you CONTINUE ye in my love (10) IF YOU KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS you shall abide in MY love even as I have kept MY FATHERS commandments and abide in HIS love

    Revelation 22:18&19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophesie of this book IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD unto these things GOD shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book (19) AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY from the words of the book of this prophesie GOD shall TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book

    John 8:30-32 When HE thus spake many believed on HIM then said JESUS unto the Jews that believed on HIM (31) IF YOU CONTINUE IN MY WORD then are you MY very disciples (32)and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free

  10. Coincidentally our choir had a service built around the Angels singing announcing the arrival of Jesus now over 2,000 years ago.

    Has anyone researched a Christmon Tree? Or the Tree of Jesse?

    Check it out.

    • Greetings,
      Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth 3318 a rod2415 out of the stem 1503 of Jesse 3448, and a Branch 5342 shall grow 6509 out of his roots 8328:

      The key word in the BRANCH, As a noun it would be used similar to a BRANCH OF A BANK. David was the son of Jesse, and David two sons Nathan and Solomon
      formed the house of David or a BRACH. Solomon AND Nathan formed the HOUSE OF DAVID. Both appear in the new testament in the bloodline of Christ.
      And the story goes on and on from that point.
      Blessings from EL/410 POSSESOR OF THE EARTH

  11. Correction please, ELOHIYM word #430 in storngs created the stars in Genesis 1-16. Jehovah word #3068 appearing as lord built a garden in Genesis 2 and the word STARS never appears alongside JEHOVAH.