Category: Luke

  • Who were the heavenly host on the first Christmas

    Recently, at our community group, we were discussing the  Advent story in Luke 2, in particular the angelic appearance to the shepherds out in the field near Bethlehem.

    And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  Luke 2:8-15

    Who or what was this heavenly host that appeared with the angel? They are the army of God.

    One source says this, “The heavenly hosts are angels who dwell in the presence of God. The heavenly host is described as a multitude or army of angels serving God, though the term can also include fallen angels, as seen in 1 Kings 22:19–22. The heavenly host appears at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, where a multitude of angels praise God (Luke 2:13 14). Believers are promised that they will one day dwell with these heavenly hosts in God’s kingdom (Hebrews 12:22–24)…”

    As a group, we chatted about what that scene might have looked like and considered some Old Testament passages.

    Were the hosts dressed as a conventional army of the day? Were they garbed in light? Did they wear anything at all? Were they like the strange beings seen in Ezekiel’s Vision or some of the parts of Revelation? Did they have wings?

    It was pure speculation, because the Bible doesn’t tell us. In at least one passage, a member of the host looked human.

    When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:13-15

    Whatever they look like, just as they announced the first coming of Jesus, they will accompany Him on His return.

    And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. Revelation 19:14

    The host of Heaven announced His return, and they are returning with the Lord as a conquering army. Are you ready?

    Be blessed, 

    Kevin

    Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

    Also a Christmas theme

    Christmas Carol – Saved but not by a trio of ghosts

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    Read the Word. Read the Word. Read the Word.
    Waiting – A Teen Runaway Reminds Me of Mary

  • Advent Anticipation – Christmas is coming

    advent candles

    Time seems to be flying by of late. Many of the neighbors have  their Christmas decorations and lights up already. There are even some who have had their trees up for a couple of weeks now.

    This coming Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is celebrated on the first four Sundays leading up to Christmas. We anticipate our remembrance of the birth of Jesus. It feels strange to be looking forward to celebrating something that has already happened.

    Yet, it gives us an opportunity in the busyness of life to pause and remember what truly matters.

    The story of Jesus’ birth is a winsome narrative. After all, who doesn’t like the account of the poor infant born in a manger while angels and shepherds celebrate? 

    “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 ESV

    Yet it’s really mid-story. His coming was planned before God created the world, because He knew we would sin and need rescuing.

    It was foretold in the prophets. On top of all the prophecies that there would be a Savior and His coming, there are at least seven fully fulfilled prophecies about His birth alone.

    His birth required a sacrifice from Jesus. He set aside all the rights that were owed to Him to come into Mary’s womb and be born on that dark night. He was born to die for us.

    Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7

    In remembering His birth, we can celebrate our freedom in Christ. Without His coming, you and I would be lost forever in our sin, doomed by our sin nature and our own sin.

    We can also celebrate our ongoing transformation. We are born again, being conformed into His image, and He will complete His work in us.

    Advent also serves as a clarion call to the world. Jesus has come and is coming again. Get right with Jesus today. In those four weeks, many nominal and adrift Christians come to the service to hear the news afresh. Many seekers will stop by as well. Seeds are planted and watered.

    I used to joke about what I called “playoff Christians”, those who come for Christmas and Easter. I was so wrong. I’m learning to recognize what grace God offers by calling them in, and I am thankful they respond.

    Studies have shown that people are most responsive to invitations to church at Christmas and Easter. Let’s make full use of that and invite people.

    Invite friends who have drifted from the faith, neighbors, casual acquaintances, and total strangers to celebrate the Advent and Christmas miracles with us. Let’s pray for them that their hearts may be opened.

    Who knows? Some of them might even come.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

    Be blessed, 

    Kevin

    Some Seasonal posts

    On the seasonal theme

    The gifts of the wise men explained

    The Fallout of the Bethlehem Massacre

    Every Member Is Necessary — 1 Corinthians 12