Glory in the Highest - A Christmas Perspective
Reading the reason behind Christmas this morning the title in Luke Chapter 2 in my Bible says, “Glory in the Highest”. How true that is. Luke Chapter 2: 13-18 reads:
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
As a believer, this is the only reason I am able to type this to you today. Not because of presents that are under my tree or what is in my stocking or what I got for Christmas when I was eight years old. We have hope today because of what happened many years ago. Jesus came as an infant to save us all. He saved me as an eighteen-year-old pregnant teen. I had been through so much and yet he took those broken pieces of my life and made me whole.
Without the Prince of Peace, there is no peace. There is no hope without Jesus. Jesus was born in order to pay a price for us. No amount of Christmas gifts you have purchased or have been given can compare to the price Jesus paid for us. He was born to save us from all the things we have done wrong—sin. He took all our wrongs and all my wrongs and future mess-ups and said, “Valerie, I got you”. I acknowledged what I had done and I knew I needed a Savior. I need him every day. He is my hope.
Well, then what do all these Christmas gifts have to do with anything then? Some Christmas traditions vary in significance and meaning. For example, we exchange gifts because God sent us the most precious gift: his one and only Son. Also, the three Wisemen visited Jesus and brought gifts as well.
For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the Savior, Jesus Christ. We know accepting Jesus as our personal Savior in our life we are daughters and sons of the true King. Heaven will one day be our final home. The life of Jesus changes us. It changes our very identity. We were created in his image. Have we messed up? You bet. Every day we each fall short, but his amazing grace covers us when we put our focus on him and him alone.
He came to us. He came to make all things new. Whatever situation you are facing or if you are in a season of chaos and crazy—-know that he has a hope and a future for you. Don’t divorce your destiny in Jesus Christ because of a little or big disappointment.
Everything he brings into our life is to produce our purpose at a new level. Pause, reflect and ask him what are you teaching me through this moment. Jesus was our beautiful example throughout every season, not just Christmas. Perhaps this will help you look at the Christmas season differently this year. A chance to truly take in the wonder and awe of the season and what he wants to do in your life if you surrender your will and trust to what he has for you.
As you gather and open gifts with loved ones take time to remember the reason why we are here. He gave us life. He is our greatest victory.
Merry Christmas. Glory in the Highest!