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!” (Luke 2:14)
I was driving home last night on the interstate in Ohio, when all of a sudden everyone was traveling in the left lane. Why? Three miles ahead we could all see the flashing lights along the side of the road. The law of the state, and the wisdom of driving, told us to pull over in response to the sight. Think as well of another newer, familiar sight: lighted billboards. Some are so big and bright they have been restricted because of their distraction to motorists. The message above was much brighter than that. The preceeding verses tell us that when one lone angel appeared, the accompanying light of the Glory of God was enough to scare the shepherds half to death. Now there is a multitutde of them in the middle-of-the-night sky. It is a major violation of code, as the sign flashes: "Glory to God in the highest" - God is at work here! Slow down, stop and see!" The second line of the sign is also noteworthy: "on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased." God is pleased with us? That is enough to take use by surprise! Rather, God is pleased, He wants to, He is doing something here to show His favor. He is coming to do something we desperately need done (far more than fix potholes!) Slow down, take notice, and respond appropriately. This billboard is not illegal; it is a matter of (eternal) life and death.
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