"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Have you discovered a Lord so wonderful that you can’t help sharing your joy?

[13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

[14] "Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace,

goodwill toward men!"

Luke 2:13-14 NKJV

2:13–14 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” NLT

After the angel gave the great news of God’s arrival on earth, suddenly all heaven broke into praise, for the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven. John’s vision of heaven recorded in Revelation reveals that there are innumerable angels in heaven: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” (Revelation 5:11 NIV). One of the angels’ key roles is to offer continuous praise to God. The arrival of God’s Son on earth caused the “armies of heaven” to join in an anthem of praise to God. Rarely did more than one angel come; at this great event, however, all the angels joined together, praising God. The “armies of heaven” or “heavenly host” refers to a select group of angels that serve God (see 1 Kings 22:19; Daniel 7:10).

The story of Jesus’ birth resounds with music that has inspired composers for two thousand years. The angels’ song is an all-time favorite. Often called the “Gloria” after its first word in the Latin translation, it is the basis of modern choral works, traditional Christmas carols, and ancient liturgical chants. “Glory to God” focuses the praise on the one who set these events in motion, the one who controls all events on earth. He is “in the highest heaven” and is sending peace on earth to all whom [he] favors. The peace referred to is the peace that only the Messiah can bring—not peace after war or conflict, but peace between sinful humanity and the holy God. Those whom God favors are those to whom he will graciously reveal his truth. The emphasis is on God—he is to be glorified, and he will bring peace to those whom he chooses. The entire “good news,” brought to humanity through the birth of Jesus, came by God’s decision and grace alone.

SPREAD THE WORD

What a birth announcement! The shepherds were terrified, but their fear turned to joy as the angels announced the Messiah’s birth. First, the shepherds ran to see the baby; then they spread the word. Jesus is your Messiah, your Savior. Praise for God and gratitude for what he has done should motivate you to witness to others. Have you discovered a Lord so wonderful that you can’t help sharing your joy with your friends?

https://bible.com/bible/114/luk.2.14.NKJV

Bruce B. Barton et al., Luke, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997), 45–46.