The Praise of Angels

Since the whole purpose of the plan of salvation is to bring glory to God, it makes sense that the angels would proclaim glory to God at the birth of Jesus.

He is a manifestation of God’s glory

The birth of Christ is a time to praise God’s glory

Ephesians 1:4-6

Ephesians 1:4–6 NKJV

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

The Glory of God once dwelt with man, but departed because of sin

God’s glory had once dwelt in the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:3

Exodus 40:34 NKJV

Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

and later in the temple

2 Chronicles 7:1-3

2 Chronicles 7:1–3 NKJV

When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.”

Sadly, God’s glory had departed the people because of the nation’s sin.

1 Samuel 4:21-22

1 Samuel 4:21–22 NKJV

Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel!” because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband. And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.”

God’s glory returned to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ

Now, finally, God’s glory was returning to earth in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.

John 1:14

John 1:14 NKJV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

That lowly manger was a holy of holies because Jesus was there!

In fact, he word "dwelt" in greek, is the same word used for tabernacle. Once again, God's glory would reside in the tabernacle. This time, the tabernacle of Christ!

The glory of God was bringing with it peace. This is not to be taken as a universal declaration of peace to ALL humanity. Rather, peace with God is a product of justification.

Nor is peace on Earth referring to a world peace, but rather a contrast from the previous focus, which was heavenly. Here, the focus shifts to the earthly. . . Men.

This peace is a peace that is only available from Christ, and its dependent upon our placing our faith in Him.

Christ brings peace

Job 22:21

Job 22:21 NKJV

“Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He brings a type of peace that nothing else can.

John 14:27

John 14:27 NKJV

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33

John 16:33 NKJV

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus is God's act of good will toward men. He is the sacrifice for our sins, He is our substitute, the Perfect Lamb of God.

He gave His life an atonement for our sins.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

There is a noticeably different translation of this verse in some of the more modern translations.

"on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)

"on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)

Whether God is giving peace and goodwill, or peace to those with whom He is pleased, they are all perfectly valid translations when compared to the Greek manuscripts.

This is a testament to the great depth of meaning in this statement that God made through the angels. Therefore, that wording needs to be addressed as well.

What you will see is that while the two translations appear very different at first, they are really not different at all. Just different ways of stating the same thing.

God's peace is given only to those who are recipients of God's good will or favor ("those with whom He is pleased").

It takes faith to please God, His favor cannot be earned

Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

We cannot earn God's favor by any amount of good works, it is a gift of God.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Jesus is the embodiment of the Word of God (John 1:14) and the necessary object of our faith.

There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved, and no other means of salvation.

Jesus is the only salvation

Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12 NKJV

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6

John 14:6 NKJV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

It is the Baby in the manger, the Lamb on the cross, and the glorified Risen Savior - the Messiah, The Lord Jesus Christ whom we can look to for peace and salvation.