“The Heavens Declare”
And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judaea into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she bought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. Is there room in our lives for this one called Jesus?
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And Lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them and the Glory of the Lord shone round about them. And the Angel said, “Fear not, for 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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
The amazing thing is that while the world sleeps the Heavens have made known the greatest of all events, the birth of our Savior! It’s the shepherds who are abiding in the fields keeping watch over the flocks by night that know the things of God! Suddenly, there was a great multitude, a Heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”
The declaration of peace and good will toward men was not saying that from now on this would be the case. If anything, this would be the farthest from peace and good will. For from this day onward there has been everything but peace and good will. From the start Herod tried to have the baby murdered. No Beloved, the peace and good will was from heaven. Heaven was saying comfort ye my people. Speak comfortable to them. Say onto them thy warfare is accomplished and thy iniquity is forgiven. For the voice of him that cries says, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in this desert a highway for our God.” Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD
hath spoken it (Isaiah 40:4).
As the song declares Hark the Herald angels sing glory to the new born king. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies. With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem. God and sinners reconciled!
Come and join in on this great Heavenly parade! The triumph of Christ over sin and its judgments! God’s honor is vindicated! His mercy reigns! His grace is sufficient! Salvation is ours! We have now been reconciled unto our God! The at-one-ment is paid in full by the death of this child. This is what is meant by peace on earth and good will toward men. Only when men will come to the Truth and embrace this gift of Heaven can the fighting and the wars end. God is satisfied! The war is in men The rebellion is in the heart of men. Only Christ reigning in each heart can stop the raging and the war.
May this Christmas be Merry and PEACE be in your HEARTS and
GOOD WILL be YOUR CUP!
