Glory to God in the Highest; A Night Full of Wonder - Part One

It is that time of year again when we read and sing about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. Often, we miss the wonder of all that happened when Jesus was born, due

to the busyness of the season and our familiarity with the story.

Yet the account of the birth of Jesus is full of angelic encounters, and humble, ordinary people touched by the love of God in supernatural ways. It reveals the Word of God becoming flesh, his promise of salvation, and the fulfilment of these promises. It is full of wonder and the glory of God’s Son coming to earth.

This year, there have been many solar flares, resulting in spectacular auroras across countries like Norway, Sweden, and Alaska. Some even resemble angel wings. These auroras are big, bold, colourful and stunning to the eye. People flock to see them and capture these light shows on camera. There is wonder and awe among those who see them. 

Northern Lights illuminating the sky

 The Shepherd's Story

This made me think about and imagine what it was like for the shepherds who witnessed the wonder and heavenly glory greater than today's auroras. 

They were out doing their job, a night like any other, watching over the sheep, perhaps a little cold from the winter air. 

The glow of a small fire seemed insignificant compared to the vast darkness surrounding them. As they looked up, they saw the galaxies stretch as far as the eye could see. 

Suddenly, the night sky lit up, and an angel appeared before them. The majesty and grandeur of this angel was something they had never experienced before. They were terrified. The shepherds could only bow their heads in fear, their bodies trembling, unable to move or speak, awaiting something dreadful to happen to them.

But to their surprise, this angel was not there to pronounce judgment but to joyfully proclaim to them the message of hope that the promised Messiah had been born.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Luke 2:10-12

Oh, how their hearts must have sang! This news they had long waited for. As soon as the angel said “Do not be afraid,” they stopped trembling and lifted their heads to see the glory of this angel and hear the wonderful message of hope. They had no words nor could they move; they were completely awestruck by the angel before them. 

Then, the night sky lit up with a great company of angels, too many to count, majestically filling the sky with their visible forms, radiating the glory of the Lord at the birth of the Messiah, the hills echoing with the beautiful sound of their joyful praise, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ Luke 2:14. 

Once the angels returned to their heavenly realm, the shepherds talked amongst themselves with great excitement, wonder and hope. They took action, made sure their sheep were safe and went to Bethlehem to see the sign of a baby, wrapped in cloth, asleep in a manger, the promised Messiah, which the angel had told them about.

With great humility and reverence, they came into the Messiah's presence. Warmth, peace and overflowing joy filled their hearts. They could not contain what they experienced but had to share their testimony with others, giving glory to God as they did so. It was a night they would never forget. A night full of glory and wonder.  

Glory to God in the Highest and the Wonder of Christmas

I hope that my imagining of this story helps you to slow down this Christmas and read the accounts of the birth of our Lord and Saviour in a fresh way. 

When you sing the Christmas carol, Glory to God in the Highest, may the awe and wonder of the shepherds' encounter with the angels, and then with the Messiah, fill your mind and heart and spirit, just as it did the shepherds that holy, joy-filled night.

May you have a blessed Christmas.

Watch out for Part Two of Glory to God in the Highest; A Night Full of Wonder, where I share some thoughts and revelations related to the shepherd's story.

My Prayer for You

I ask the Holy Spirit to give you new revelations about the birth of Jesus as you reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas. May you be filled with joy and the wonder of the season.

I pray that you would join with the angels and other believers around the world in praise and worship of our Lord and Saviour, singing 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ As you do, I ask that the Lord's favour rest upon you. 

I pray that you would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen. (based on 2 Peter 3:18).

I ask these things in the name of our loving and faithful Lord and Saviour, Jesus. Amen

P.S. This newsletter was written with the help of the Holy Spirit and not AI. I had fun writing it. I did use AI for grammar and spelling.

Encouraged to Pray logo and blessing

Copyright © 2025 Encouraged to Pray Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide.