“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2: 13-14)
It was no longer a silent night on the Bethlehem hillside. The shepherds were suddenly met with a chorus of angels crying out in praise for God’s great gift in Jesus. As the old Christmas carol states, “Hark the herald angels sing, glory to the newborn King.” The joy of Christmas would not be limited to the earthy realm of Bethlehem, but even heaven was joining in the party. Heaven itself was moved with Jesus’ birth.
In Jesus, heaven came down and fully entered our earthly existence. The Bethlehem babe came to be the bridge between our world and heaven’s glory. This divine-human connection would forever change us, but it would also change heaven.
In our daily lives, heaven pays attention. The psalmist would proclaim, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalm 91: 11-12) Now the Bible does not tell us that every person has a guardian angel like Clarence is to George Bailey in the holiday film, It’s A Wonderful Life. However, we do know that God’s angels care about us, and they can intervene in our lives as they are called by God. Jesus would teach in his parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15) Heaven just seems to have a connection with you and me.
I like to think that in our lives, heaven is rooting for us as we live out our lives. The angels on the first Christmas celebrated with the shepherds the good news of Jesus’ birth. Heaven celebrates with us as well. God’s chorus of angels cheers us on as we live in our earthly home. This is good news. In our every day living, heaven pays attention.
Prayer: May your holy angels watch over me always.
Conversations from the Couch 