Luke 2 ~ Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests

Luke 2


13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.




Psalm 126
A song of ascents.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.



1 Thessalonians 3 

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.


6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

Paul and Timothy Scripture stirs the heart.

If You had created the Universe and enjoyed Your creation so much - You saw it was good. And Said so seven times.

You might have thought about what the birth of Your Son would be like. Remember what Peter and the Psalms have said - Your day is millions of years.

Genesis 15:5
He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Our Father God sent a vast lullaby to His Son Jesus. Making all orchestras, all symphony - pale in comparison.

Jesus surely remembered this as He was part of Creation and was before even Abraham.

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
                                         for I am gentle and humble in heart,
                                                                         and you will find rest for your souls

Father God was singing a Song of Ascents. I love George Handel's Messiah. When you see the Love in the Scriptures, you are reading of God's Ascents. Jesus was not born in the Palace. Not even the usual welcoming committee of innkeeper - innkeeper's wife. And so God looked to see who would welcome His Son. God sees souls of great love and the Shepherds would run to know this Miracle of God. Their joy and enthusiasm would complete this Miracle.

God loves those who have these attributes.

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 24:7
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Isaiah 51:16
I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand-- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'"

Our Scripture Passages point out a search for God. Last year we were very privileged to have Preston Yancy facilitating our HopePointe Bible Study. His book has been published on Amazon with good reviews. Preston is very inspiring and very insightful. God bless him on his journey and many more wonderful insights.
Tables in the Wilderness: A Memoir of God Found, Lost, and Found Again
Hardcover – September 30, 2014 - Amazon
by Preston Yancey

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We pray with You, Father God this night and tomorrow in Jesus Christ. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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