The angels were praising God because God had sent His Son in the world to save it. In the same way, we say “glory to God in the highest” at Christmastime because we are praising God for the birth of His Son into the world.
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On the night Jesus was born, angels gathered around and praised God by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). In modern-day worship services or when you walk past someone on the street, you may hear someone praise “Glory to God in the highest” as Christmastime approaches.
For Christians and those who are not Christians, some people may wonder why we say, “Glory to God in the highest?”
'Glory to God in the Highest' in the Christmas Story
The verse of “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” comes from the Gospel of Luke (2:14). Luke was a skilled researcher and a thorough historian (Luke 1:1-4). Paul also informs us that Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14). Luke carefully investigated all of the events recorded in his gospel account.
It is believed Luke would have interviewed Mary, the shepherds, and other eyewitnesses of Jesus’ birth, ministry, and resurrection. Luke was a Gentile, which meant he did not have a Jewish upbringing. Given all of these facts, we can be assured that what Luke wrote in his gospel account is factual, trustworthy, and true.
Within Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, he records that after Mary had given birth to Jesus, she wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger (Luke 2:4-7). Mary and Joseph had to stay place Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn (Luke 2:7). The Savior of the world was born in a humble manner despite the fact that He deserved to be born in the most stately palace in the world.
While Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were there, there were shepherds tending their flocks in the fields. It was the dead of night when an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and told them the good news of the Messiah being born into the world (Luke 2:8-10). The shepherds were terrified at the sight of the angel because of his brilliance, but the angel told them not to be afraid.
The angel told the shepherds, “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” (Luke 2:10-12).
As soon as these words left the angel's mouth, a colossal amount of heavenly hosts appeared and praised God by saying “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14). After the angels had left, the shepherd immediately left their fields to go to Bethlehem in search of the child the angels spoke of (Luke 2:15).
When the shepherds went to Bethlehem, they found the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger just as the angels had told them (Luke 2:16). After the shepherds had seen the baby, they immediately went out and told everyone the good news of the Savior being born into the world, and they gave praise to God (Luke 2:17-21).
When we read this account in the Bible, we need to pause and reflect on the greatness and beauty the shepherds would have witnessed on that stunning night. The shepherds would have seen a myriad of angels praising and glorifying God in their words and being.
The angels were praising God because God had sent His Son in the world to save it. In the same way, we say “glory to God in the highest” at Christmastime because we are praising God for the birth of His Son into the world. God deserves all of our praise and worship because, without Him, we are nothing.
Significance of the Phrase 'Glory to God in the Highest'
All people should praise God by saying “glory to God in the highest heaven” because we all should echo the praises of the angels at the first Christmas. The angels were celebrating because they knew that Jesus was going to die in order to provide redemption for mankind. In the same way, we can praise God this Christmas by glorifying Him in our words and actions.
God provided the way to salvation by sending Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16-17). Through Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross, all people can be saved by placing faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). No amount of good works, good deeds, or good behavior will save a person.
Following the Mosaic Law will not save a person nor will following other religious teachings save a person. The Bible is clear that a person is saved by placing faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-11). Jesus, Himself tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Apart from Christ, there is no salvation (John 14:6). In our postmodern pluralistic society today, many people reject the exclusivity of what the Bible says about Jesus Christ. There is only one way to salvation and that is by placing faith in Jesus in order to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life (Romans 6:23).
Without God, we would have no hope of salvation. Through faith in Christ, we can boldly glorify God the same way the angels did by praising, “glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
How to Glorify God in the Highest at Christmas — And Everyday
God does not only deserve our praise on Christmas but in our everyday lives too. God created us, provided us with redemption through His Son, and gives eternal life to all those who would accept His free gift by placing faith in Jesus.
There is absolutely no reason for us not to glorify God and praise Him for all that He has done in the past, but also in the present and what He will do in the future. God has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and He promises that one day He will return (Hebrews 9:28).
God is the Holy Trinity — the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One day all believers will be with God, worshipping Him in His glory. In our present-day lives, we need to be reminded of God’s majesty by reflecting on the words spoken by the angels in Luke 2:14.
At Christmastime and every other day, we need to reflect and meditate on the truth that God loves us so much that sent His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Each individual sins every day and we are all flawed (Romans 3:23).
We could never earn our own salvation by obeying rules and regulations. Paul tells us in Galatians, “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because ‘the righteous will live by faith’” (3:11).
Obedience to the Mosaic Law does not entail salvation — only faith in Christ will provide eternal salvation. As Christians, we can worship, praise, and glorify God because we know the lengths God went to in order to redeem us from our sin.
Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, God had a plan to restore our broken relationship with Him. Placing faith in Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection will restore our severed relationship with the Father.
Jesus’ birth in the world was the first step in God’s salvation plan. Without Jesus’ birth into the world, we would be lost in our sins with no hope of salvation. It is by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection that we are saved.
During this Christmas season, reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and praise God for His goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. May we always praise God just like the angels by saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of the Star of Bethlehem?
What Do We Know about the Shepherds at Jesus’ Birth?
Did Mary and Joseph Really Stay in a Cave?
What Is the Significance of Mary’s Song at Christmas?
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