Part 2: Peace Luke 2:8-15

Luke 2:8-10 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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.

Luke 2:11-12 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.”

Luke 2:13-14 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 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Zechariah, denied and doubted Luke 1:5-25

Mary, not sure but surrendered Luke 1:26-38

Zechariah, denied and doubted Luke 1:5-25 Mary, not sure but surrendered Luke 1:26-38 Joseph, accepted and acted Matthew 1:18-25

Zechariah, denied and doubted Luke 1:5-25 Mary, not sure but surrendered Luke 1:26-38 Joseph, accepted and acted Matthew 1:18-25 The Shepherds, believed and broadcasted Luke 2:8-20

There was sorrow in heaven! Can you imagine that? Sorrow in heaven! It all seemed so strange to two of the smallest angels by the name of Arnal and Pax. They were given the task of carrying the messages for the Master from one end of heaven to the other. Arnal said to Pax, “I actually saw those things called ‘tears’ in Gabriel’s eyes. Something terrible must have happened to have caused that.

Someone said that tears were shed in heaven on only one other occasion…I believe it had something to do with the first creatures of earth. They did something that broke the Master’s heart.” Pax added, “The Father loves them so much but I’m not sure why. They don’t seem to appreciate what He has done for them. And do you know what I heard? The Lord Jesus is going down to earth to live among them!”

Arnal looked at his friend, shocked! And for the first time in his existence a tear fell down his cheeks and he said, “Going to leave us? Leave the Ivory Palaces and the Rainbow Throne and the love and beauty of Heaven? What will he do down there, Pax?” “I don’t know for sure. Someone said He was going to be born.” “Born? What’s born?” “I don’t know. It’s something that happens to earth creatures.”

You don’t mean to say that He’s going to be like them and take the same kind of body, do you?” “I’m afraid so,” said Pax. “Well, when is this thing supposed to take place, Pax?” “I think it’s what they call ‘tonight’ down there. It could be any moment now.” Arnal said, “Then come on, Pax. Let’s hurry back to the city.”

There was a great deal of commotion in the celestial city when the two little angels arrived. Messengers were hurrying to and fro and there was a great blowing of trumpets. Angels had massed from the four corners of heaven. Row upon row, rank upon rank—angels and archangels were there before the Great Throne of God Almighty.

Then Arnal and Pax saw something that made their hearts sink—the seat at the right of the throne was empty! The Bright and Morning Star was gone! Suddenly, Arnal and Pax heard their names called and Gabriel ordered them to find a place in the massed group. They stood together at the end of the front row.

Gabriel raised his hand and there was complete silence! Then in clear tones as sweet as the sound of many waters, he spoke: “You’ve been called together to hear the most wonderful pronouncement ever made! Our beloved Lord, the only begotten of the Father, has left us.”

The voice of the great Gabriel trembled. In a moment he continued: “Our Lord has gone to earth to be born as a babe that He might take upon Himself the fashion of a man. Only in this way, the Father believes, can the earth people know of His love for them. He will take away the sin of all earth creatures who receive His offer of salvation.”

A gasp of astonishment rose from the angels. Gabriel continued: “On earth tonight in a little town called Bethlehem, His incarnation will be accomplished. By the order of the Father, you will accompany me as we bring the good news to that weary world. I will make the announcement to a few shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, simple-hearted men who fear God and believe His promises.

“You will join me and give glory to God in the highest. It’s time. Let us go.” Arnal was trembling with excitement as he and Pax, small though they were, had been selected for the journey. The whole air seemed filled with the angelic host that attended Gabriel on his way. By the thousands and tens of thousands they swept through the heavens.

Down through the belt of Orion, on past the Milky Way---down, down, they went through the still night air, leaving the stars twinkling far behind them. At a signal from Gabriel they stopped, poised above the earth. Below them, by the light of a campfire, they could see shepherds keeping watch over their flocks.

Suddenly, Gabriel broke through the clouds and stood before the men. The shepherds gazed at him in awe and then fell in terror to the ground. Then Gabriel spoke: “Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

As the angel finished these words, the light of the glory of God fell from heaven and the angelic host stood revealed. They knew what they were supposed to say, though they didn’t comprehend the mystery of it all. And so they lifted their glorious voices in praise to Him: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

These words of worship floated out upon the still night air. It enraptured the shepherds who heard it. The night breeze that blows over the fields of Bethlehem caught it up and bore it heavenward, where it echoed around the Throne of God and was lost among the stars. Then at a signal from Gabriel the heavenly host moved upward once again.

“What does all this mean?” Arnal asked Pax. “I cannot tell. But wasn’t it wonderful? Oh, Arnal, it will be great when the people down there appreciate what God has done. I suspect they will soon be gathered to welcome the Baby. They will come from all over the earth. They will love Him as we do. I hope it doesn’t take long to redeem them for we will be so lonely in heaven without Him.”

Some 33 years passed and again we listen in as Arnal and Pax are engaged in conversation. “I can’t believe it Pax! They killed our Lord! He went to love them and to show them the way to the Father and they ridiculed Him and mocked Him and tortured Him and finally nailed Him to a cross. Why doesn’t the Father punish them? Why doesn’t He destroy that sick and wretched planet?”

“Well, Arnal, I guess it’s because He loves them. In fact, I heard one of the bigger angels say that the Master knew all along that they would do all of these awful things to Him and He willingly laid down His life to redeem them.”

“He returned to the city just two days ago, Pax. All heaven is rejoicing. It’s just like the old days. It’s so good to have Him back.” And so the two small angels returned to the city to behold their Lord. His glory filled the entire city—with one difference—His glory was shining through an earth creature’s body—a body with scars on His hands and feet.

And the angels had again come from the far corners of the universe to sing a new song. But when they approached the Great Throne, they saw that it was impossible to get near it for it was surrounded by thousands and millions of human souls singing loudly in perfect harmony: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever! Amen.”