Glory to God
As the Christmas season gets into full swing, I’ve had a simple Christmas carol I grew up with, “Glory to God in the Highest”, stuck in my head.
It’s easy to remember, in fact, it repeats the two lines sung by the angels celebrating the birth of Christ before the shepherds that first Christmas night.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
A simple declaration, but one which I’m coming to value more and more as a reminder to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, giving glory to God is our first priority. Through all the wrapping and shopping and eating and greeting, let’s remember who we are praising and why.
Christmas is a season for celebration because the birth of Jesus brings a message of ‘peace to those on whom God’s favour rests.’ Who does God’s favour rest on? All those whose faith is in Jesus, who are saved by the sacrifice he would go on to make at the cross. This is great news for those who are saved, and news which must be shared with everyone around us – just as those shepherds did many years ago.
So, as we step into this season so often inundated with presents, busyness, Santa, and ornaments, take some time to stop and reflect on the words of those timeless Christmas carols which often go on unnoticed in the background. These songs repeat the words of the most joyful announcement in human history: a saviour was born who would pave the way for people to be reunited with God!
Through your celebrations this season, let this joy shine from your life into the lives of your friends, families, and everyone else around! Because the joy of Jesus is available to everyone who would receive him as their Saviour! Allow others an insight into the reason for the season through your actions and your words this Christmas. And if you find yourself struggling for words then why not invite them to our Christmas services at 6pm on the 24th and 9am on the 25th? We want to share this news with as many people as we can!
Wishing you a joy-filled and Christ-centred Christmas!
