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 NIV
Heavenly Father, some culinary delights are to be savored like a delicacy, not consumed as a quick snack. The Gospel is the most exquisite of delicacies deserving unrushed, focused, heart-palate savoring. Halfway into Advent, we’re grateful for the privilege of relishing the riches of your grace for us in Jesus.
There’s no way to calculate the worth of this declaration, “peace to those on whom his favor rests.” It’s more than we could ever expect, way more than we deserve, yet that for which we’ve been made. Through the finished work of Jesus, you have placed us in your full, permanent, unwavering favor. Jesus took our disgrace and disfavor on the cross, and you gave us your grace and full delight by his resurrection.
If unredeemed angels were in awe of such good news, how much more should we be staggered and astonished, humbled and grateful, liberated and transformed. By your Holy Spirit, enflame our hearts, stir our affections, restore to us the joy of so great a salvation during this Advent season.
We invest much energy seeking favor—wanting to be desired, known, and loved. Our spouses, friends, children, “dates,” and bosses feel the pull of our relational cravings. Yet they are mere people. They cannot possibly fill the void, meet the need, or pay the bill of our deepest longings.
Wonder of wonders, in Jesus we are fully known and completely loved. Hallelujah. Free us from our unbelief, Father. Make your favor more real to us than anything else in the cosmos. Fill us with your peace, joy, and love. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ holy and loving name.
