stephen R Harrison

Angels appear all throughout the biblical narrative of Jesus’ birth. One appeared to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20), Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25), Mary (Luke 1:26-56), and to the shepherds abiding in their fields nearby Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20). When the song “Angels We Have Heard On High” breaks into the chorus, the angels are singing the phrase “Gloria in excelsis Deo”, or “Glory to God in the Highest” (Latin). The highest glory to the highest God for sending Jesus to save us from our sins! Thank God the Word has come to dwell among us, take our sins to the cross, and gift us salvation and heaven with Him for eternity! We don’t deserve His grace, but He gives it to all who call on His name.

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:9-14)