The giving and receiving of gifts at Christmas was no doubt meant to reinforce the rejoicing we ought to have at the coming of the blessed Savior.
Unfortunately, the entire process has been overcome by materialism and exhibitions in our little ones of greed and envy.
Most shameful is the comparing of gifts one with another and complaining about who got the better ones.
The Angels rejoiced at the birth of Christ, and their perspective, which is so different from man's, ought to be studied carefully.
Angels have seen the glory and holiness of God in ways that mortal fallen man has not. They are acquainted with His excellency to which we are largely blind.
Therefore, Angels are more acutely aware of the grievous nature of man's sin and wickedness in the sight of God. They see it themselves, and one of their own kind, fallen Lucifer, takes it upon himself to accuse man before the throne of heaven.
The Angels rejoice at God's salvation of fallen man. Even though man is lower than the Angels, yet His provision of a Savior was to mankind, not Angels.
Not having received the gift, the Angels nevertheless rejoice in God's kindness and mercy to men.
The Angels always saw the glory and majesty of their creator, the second person of the Trinity. Therefore, they see more acutely the humbling He submitted to in the incarnation, making Himself in His humanity lower than the Angels.
The Angels rejoice that, by identifying Himself with man, the Savior exalts redeemed Sons to positions higher than the Angels. Indeed, our Salvation makes the Angels our ministers, because we are joint-heirs with the Son of God.
Truly, man has gotten the better gift! |
#24 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 12/25/2008
