Glory to God

Written by

December 25, 2024

It’s Christmas! Maybe you are celebrating with loved ones and your home is full of laughter and activity or maybe you are on your own and facing a Christmas that seems lonely and quiet?

Whatever is going on in our lives, we can know the joy of God coming into our world as a baby. We can look beyond the busyness, the food and the gifts and join the angels to celebrate the wonder of Jesus birth. I love the story of how the ordinary, rough and ready shepherds were suddenly enabled to see into Heaven and witnessed ‘a great company of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.”’ (Luke 2:13)

The wonder of Christmas is the dawning of glorious light instead of the darkness of despair; the light of hope instead of hopelessness; of chosenness instead of rejection; of significance instead of unwantedness; of togetherness instead of aloneness.

Shepherds were considered as the lowest of the low by other Israelites. They lived apart from others out in the fields, their only company the prowling wild animals. Why would God choose such an insignificant group to reveal the glory of Heaven to and tell the awesome news of Jesus birth? The amazing thing is the depth of what the messenger angel communicated to the shepherds: ‘Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Only these particular shepherds would have understood that message. It referred to their own practice in preparing the lambs for the Passover. The sacrificial lambs had to be perfect without any spot or blemish. Every time such a new lamb was born they would be wrapped in cloths by these shepherds and placed in a trough. This was to protect them until the Passover when they would be presented as a perfect sacrifice.

So, God chose the lowly shepherds to be the first to know the secret of what the birth of this new baby really meant. He gave them a riddle that He knew they would understand to the full and which would change their lives forever. Heaven came to earth as God touched ordinary men and women with the fire of His love and opened the door for us all to see into Heaven and hear His voice.

Humanly the shepherds were nothing, living in dark, lonely places and we too can feel isolated, lonely and outcast from those around us.But just as God spoke so personally to the shepherds and drew them into new joy in living, so He longs to fill your heart with His love, open your eyes to His glory and speak His secrets into your heart.

Be blessed this Christmas as you join your song to the angels:

Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth and goodwill to all men on whom His favour rests.

‍

Tracy Williamson

Author, Writer and Speaker

Share this devotional:

In Times of Sorrow

As Christians we can be blasé at times and even imply that it’s wrong to mourn as it shows lack of faith. I know of a Mum who died after a long battle with cancer and the Dad wouldn’t allow himself, or even his children, to cry because he feared undermining the joy of her being in heaven.

Hope

When we Feel Crushed and Under Attack

As I was praying about this week’s devotional, I sensed that some of you are going through very hard times. Hope seems like a distant memory and your days feel full of struggle.

Encounter

God's Surprising Grace

We can all hit those times of sudden barrenness in our lives. Maybe God has been blessing you but now everything seems futile, your prayers feel like empty words, serving him is a struggle and it’s a long time since you felt any joy.

Unashamed

A Sound Mind

I have given you a sound mind not a spirit of fear. (1 Tim 2:7) Even in those times when you don’t know how to plan because life seems uncertain and you feel out of control, be sure that I know the end from the beginning. I AM in control and am drawing all things together for your joy and growth. Relax in me my beloved.’

All devotionals

Testimonials

We love receiving feedback and are delighted to share some of the testimonials we've received here.

“Last year I was struggling with overwhelming shame from my childhood but was invited by a friend to go to the Unashamed conference. When the worship started in the first session, I was overcome by God’s goodness and wept for hours. That day I received healing and have never been the same since!”

Guest

Conference #2

“The music and prayers from MBM have brought me peace and healing. It's truly a blessing.”