Luke 2 brings us the iconic image of the angelic host. Or as I like to call it, the Angel Choir.
When Luke describes the choir, he used the greek word “plethos” – our Bibles translate it as “multitude”. I think it’s the root that gives us the word “plethora” – which means “a lot”.
The shepherds had a front row seat to the first and only concert of the Angelic Choir of the nativity. The sky was filled with angels who were singing a song of praise to God.
A central message of that song was “peace on Earth.” Not peace because suddenly people started being nicer to one another. Not because people were suddenly “living their best lives”. Not peace because people suddenly figured out how to manage their conflict.
Peace, because God was in the business of resolving the antagonism between Himself and humanity. The babe in the manger would pay our sin-price rather than sticking it all on us.
In my daily Bible reading (through the Bible in one year), I’m finally to the book of Revelation. And it tells another story of angels in the air. I think we need to see that vision because it contrasts so sharply with the picture of the shepherds and angels.
Revelation 12:7-8 says:
Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
Some of the angels sing and some of the angels fight. Or perhaps all of the angels fight. But it’s a massive battle in the heavens. Angel v. angel.
This is the normal conduct of the angels. They are engaged in opposition to the evil one and his minions. When they arise to the sky, it often involves this cosmic battle between God’s position and the usurper and first rebel Satan.
If you stop to think about this, the battle in the heavens makes the Angel Choir that much more special.
The battle against sin is the backdrop against which we must see the Babe in the manger. He came as the Seed of Eve to crush the head of the serpent and bring about redemption. Only He could do this. Only He could live the life and earn God’s pleasure – then give it all up for us.
I don’t know if the angels in that glorious choir all had their swords strapped on their backs. But I can imagine that it was a real relief to do something besides fight in the sky. Taking a break to sing of the One who would change everything would have been so wonderful.
The shepherds heard this anthem and they responded. They went and worshipped. They returned rejoicing.
And so should we. We might not get the nighttime serenade, but the same Babe in the manger calls to us to lay down our fight and crown Him the Lord of our lives.
Only then can we have peace.
Merry Christmas,
Dennis
