Luke 2:13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Surprise follows upon surprise. First one angel descended and took his position near the shepherds. Once he has made his announcement, all of a sudden an entire army of angels descends. These angels are now seen standing “with” the first angel, therefore also near the shepherds.

Not until the shepherds became somewhat used to the heavenly brilliance around them, and had received from the one angel a message of joy, did the entire host of angels descend. If the order had been reversed they probably would not have even heard the message!

God always arranges everything perfectly!

He does not arrange things our way, but His way!

John’s vision of heaven recorded in Revelation reveals there are innumerable angels in heaven: “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” (Revelation 5:11).

One of the key responsibilities of angels is to offer continuous praise to God. The arrival of God’s Son on earth caused the armies of heaven to join in praise to God. Rarely did more than one angel appear; at this event, however, all the angels joined together, praising God. The “armies of heaven” or “heavenly host” refers to a select group of angels that serve God (1 Kings 22:19; Daniel 7:10).

The story of Jesus’ birth has inspired composers for 2,000 years. The angels’ song is an all-time favorite. Often called the “Gloria” after its first word in the Latin translation, it is the basis of many choral works, traditional Christmas carols, and ancient liturgical chants.

“Glory to God” focuses the praise on the One who set these events in motion, the One who controls all events on earth. He is “in the highest heaven” and is sending peace on earth to all He favors.

The peace referred to is the peace only the Messiah can bring; not peace after war or conflict, but peace between sinful humanity and the holy God.

The emphasis is on God; He is to be glorified, and He will bring peace.

The shepherds were terrified. Their fear turned to joy as the angels announced the Messiah’s birth.

Jesus is our Messiah, our Savior.

Praise for God and gratitude for what He has done should motivate us to spread the word.