8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Angelic joy is expressed over the work of God at Bethlehem, and more joy and praise will be presented at the events of Jesus’ second return. God can do the impossible. He is to be praised. The angels marveled when they saw God create the world out of the power of His word. They saw the way He fashioned mankind out of dust and decided to make His creature a living soul. They saw the God taking a rib from man and create a helpmate. He blew the waters of the Red Sea apart. He made rock give water. He changed the dew into bread. There is nothing He cannot do.          

When the angels announced “Peace on earth” it was after they said, “Glory to God in the highest of heaven” – they exalted God first and foremost. This is always the vital, the essential key to “peace on earth”. You cannot have peace without first seeking the glory of God!          

What is the glory of the Lord?  There was a white shining cloud of brightness, known by the Jews as God’s Shekinah glory. There was a visible token of the presence of God in the bush, in the pillar of fire, in the cloud, in the tabernacle and in the temple.  The glory of the Lord shone around the Redeemer on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was also noted when Jesus rose from the dead. It was an amazing aura. God let simple people see a glimpse of what He was going to do and who He was. The herald angels praised God and invited the shepherds to come and worship Him.          

If you think the angels were excited when they saw God come to earth that day, think about the praise they give when each and every soul accepts Jesus Christ to be his or her savior. Jesus tells us clearly in Luke 15 that there is rejoicing in heaven over one soul who repents. Satan loses another one, and another one, and another one, and another one and heavenly hosts are praising God for His victory in you.

We see the spirit of praise in   Revelation 5:11-14

Angels have seen how Calvary becomes the apex of the reason for Christ’s coming and better yet the Lamb on the throne with complete victory.”            

The greatest purpose of angels is to praise and minister to our Lord. In heaven and on earth the Holy Ones are engaged in the ministry of praise. In fact, when the apostle John was transported into the presence of God, he witnessed the angelic hosts engaged in this glorious function.          

Revelations 7 reveals the angels gathered around the throne and around the leaders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying. “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever” Amen          

Application:   As the angels’ concert ends for you and for me let me suggest the response of the shepherds is always appropriate. Let us run to Jesus and worship Him!

Prayer:  As I ponder this, O Lord, my heart wants to praise with the angels and worship with the shepherds who “have seen the great light”.   We too have been given the light of the world and are to be the light of the world.   Strengthen me O Lord.