On earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. (Luke 2:14)Years ago, I pastored a church in Georgia. During a tough spell, an old man in my congregation sat me down, looked me square in the eye and said, I want you to know something. I'm fer ya'. When life gets difficult, it's encouraging to hear someone is on our side.
The angel brought glorious news to poor shepherds: On earth peace to men on whom [God's] favor rests. If there was any group of people who needed an advocate, it was the poor. Still is.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them (v. 9). God could have shared his Son's birth announcement with anyone, but intentionally targeted the poor. The angel said to them (v. 10). Speaking on God's behalf, the angel shared the greatest news ever told. A Savior has been born to you (v. 11). Not, a Savior has been born and if you grovel there's a slim chance you can get in on it, but this Savior is for you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths (v. 12). The angels sought out the poor, made their announcement to the poor, of a Savior born for the poor, who was comfortable identifying with the poor.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to men on earth . . . because God is fer ya'.
The great King of the universe chooses the poor. Whose side are you on?
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