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December 25 Daily Devotional

Most Important

Frans Bakker

Glory to God in the highest. —Luke 2:14a

Bible Reading

Luke 2:8–14

Devotional

The angels sang the Christmas song perfectly, not only as far as the words are concerned, but also regarding the sequence of the words. The angels began their song with “glory to God,” not with “peace on earth” or “good will toward men.” The earth and men are secondary to the theme of their song. Christmas, therefore, is not first and foremost about the salvation of sinners, but about the glory of God. God receives all the glory. This is most important.

If we were to sing a song of deliverance, we would begin with ourselves. But if we are focused on our own salvation, or our own redemption, we have understood very little about Christmas, although we may have recognition of our sin and guilt. Christmas is most importantly for God the Father, because now a Child is born who will restore His glory. Again we must say: This is most important.

“Glory to God.” The angels did not utter these words as a desire. This glory is a fact. It belongs to God in the highest heavens. The earth, where God’s honor was defiled, must know that the Child lying in the manger in Bethlehem will now magnify God’s honor. Man was created for this one purpose: to give honor to God. As soon as man fell, his lips became silent regarding God’s praises. Since that time it has not been: “glory to God,” but “glory to man.” Woe to anyone who dares offend man in his honor. In the meantime, however, man does nothing but offend the Most High.

Yet Christmas means that God will receive honor again through Christ and by all who are in Him. This is not to place this Child in the shadow. The Child born in Bethlehem becomes more glorious. He said of Himself, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30). Christ Himself was aware of the need for His Father to be glorified.

The song of the angels shows us, therefore, the proper sequence. The most important matter must come first. This song forms a lesson that the church must learn. On Christmas Day, God’s church should not only rejoice in its salvation, but above that, it should rejoice in God’s glory. Whoever reverses this sequence and begins with “peace on earth” and “good will toward men,” is still self-centered. Certainly it is good to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” It is to be desired that more would ask this question, but it must culminate in this question: “How will God receive all the honor?” It is not a good sign if we are only focused on self, as if God’s honor had nothing to do with the salvation of God’s people. These two matters are closely connected to each other. He who is focused on God’s honor, knows true salvation.

There will not be a more blessed Christmas celebration than when you are focused on God’s glory. God’s glory does not exclude man’s salvation, but it includes it. God glorifies Himself in the saving of sinners. In the song “glory to God” man’s salvation lies firmly rooted.

May God grant us such a Christmas celebration. We think our salvation is most important. Our understanding of Christmas is self-centered. Those who seek themselves first will never find the Child, although they may think they have found Him. The Son came into this world to glorify the Father; that is how serious Christmas is. When you understand this, you will have a blessed Christmas; that is, when your salvation is secondary and God’s honor is most important.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.

 

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