Scripture:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” – Luke 2:13–14
Devotional:
The night sky split open. What had been quiet and ordinary suddenly roared with worship. One angel’s announcement was not enough. An army of heaven filled the darkness, and their song rose like a tidal wave: “Glory to God in the highest!”
This is the first Christmas carol, sung not by men, but by angels. And it tells us something vital: Christmas is first about God’s glory. Before we hear about our peace, before we feel the warmth of good news, the angels lift our eyes upward. Glory belongs to God alone.
Why? Because in the manger, His character shines brighter than ever. Here is the humility of God — the Infinite wrapped in infant skin, the Almighty lying in straw. Here is the mercy of God — a King who doesn’t come to crush, but to save. Here is the faithfulness of God — every promise kept, every prophecy fulfilled, every shadow now illuminated by the Light of the world.
The angels could not stay silent. They had witnessed creation. They had seen the Red Sea split and fire fall on Mount Carmel. But nothing made heaven erupt like this: God Himself stepping into flesh. Glory to God, because He has done what no one else could do. Glory to God, because salvation is here.
And when heaven shouts glory, earth receives peace. Notice the order: God’s glory first, then our peace. We don’t start with our comfort — we start with His worth. The more we give Him glory, the more our hearts taste His peace.
This is Advent’s invitation: join the angels. Don’t let Christmas slip by as a story you only admire — let it be a song you embody. Lift your voice, lift your life, and echo heaven’s cry: Glory to God in the highest.
Application:
Why do you think the angels put glory to God before peace on earth?
How can your Christmas this year be centered more on God’s glory than on comfort or tradition?
Prayer:
God, You deserve all praise for sending Jesus to us. Teach me to put Your glory first, trusting that peace will follow. May my life be a reflection of the song the angels sang that night. Amen.”
Family Advent Activities
1. Angel Choir Craft (Quiet)
Make angels from coffee filters or cupcake liners for wings and paper cutouts for bodies. Glue them together as a group choir. Write Glory to God! across the top.
Tie-in: “The angels sang together in the sky, worshiping God. We can join their song.”
2. Pin the Wings on the Angel (Active)
Draw or print a large angel on poster board. Cut out paper “wings” (use doilies, paper, or coffee filters). Blindfold kids and let them try to pin or tape the wings onto the angel.
Tie-in: “The angels used their wings to serve God and worship Him. We can lift our lives in worship too.”
Recipe Options:
1. Angel Choir Cupcakes
Frost cupcakes with white icing and add toothpick flags that say Glory! or Peace!
Tie-in: “The angels sang a song of praise to God the night Jesus was born.”
2. Halo Donuts
Dip donuts or donut holes in white glaze and sprinkle with gold or silver to shine like halos.
Tie-in: “The angels’ halos remind us of God’s glory shining bright in the sky.”
