The scene is familiar. A child dressed as an angel has his arms outstretched as the narrator reads, “Don’t be afraid. “Then the whole chorus of children rises as the narrator continues: “And suddenly, a multitude of heavenly militiamen appeared with the angel praising God and In this “sign”, our precious little ones sing “Glu ——-ria, in excelsis Deo”. We delight in these brief moments in the Christmas joy of our children, but it doesn’t take long for us to leave their world and return to the disappointments, challenges and threats that surround us. And many of us ask ourselves, “How can a sensible adult be happy at Christmas?”
To answer this question, we must remember the problematic conditions present at that time when the angels praised. “At that moment, was a decree issued of Caesar Augustus?(Lk 2. 1). These words reveal that the joy of angels was not rooted in childish ingenuity. Satanic forces gave power to governments that oppressed the people. Moral corruption was endemic in Israel. Believers were marginalized, ridiculed and threatened by violence and persecution on every corner. Does it look familiar? The world in which Christ was born was very similar to our own.
- The angels weren’t a kind children’s choir.
- Were they?A multitude of the heavenly army? (Lk 2.
- 13).
- In the Bible.
- “Lord of armies?He most often refers to God as the one who leads the armies of heaven.
- The angels who fight Satan.
- And the demonic forces.
- Then.
- When the angel announced.
- “Here I bring you good news.
- Were you born today in the city of David.
- The Savior.
- Who is Christ the Lord?(Lk 2:10-11).
- As the ancient human armies sang as they entered battle.
- Angels sing: a vast army willing to fight against any power that threatens God’s people.
To understand the Great Joy? From this first Christmas, we must recognize what was so surprising in the birth of Jesus. First, the words?Gospel? They usually make us think about how Jesus brings salvation to those who believe in him. Good news includes, but passages such as 2 Samuel 18. 31 reveal that this phrase is in fact the announcement of victory in battle. Secondly, the term? Salvador? It makes us think about how Jesus saves people from sin. One more time? Savior includes this, but passages like Sophonie 3. 17 teach that a “savior” is a warrior, someone who frees his people from danger and guarantees victory.
In response to the certainty of the victory of the “Christ Lord”?(Lk 2:11), the angelic army sang, “Glory to God at the highest peaks, and peace on earth among men, whom he loves?”(Lk 2:14). . And this praise must fill all hearts, even the hearts of “wise” adults. Evil threatens us everywhere, but we know the good news that victory is certain. Christ, our victorious warrior, was born.