His Favor Rests On Us

Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14, NIV

Every Christmas morning when I was growing up, my mom or dad read the Christmas story from Luke 2. Sometimes I tuned out the all-too-familiar words, causing them to skid off my heart rather than take root. Because I had heard them so often, I neglected to appreciate the meaning those words always bring to each holiday season.

When we hear something over and over again, we sometimes become deaf to what is being said. But repetition is necessary and helpful for remembering truth. God’s Word never gets old and is worth reviewing over and over again. It is full of repeated messages of God’s love, grace, care, and redemption for lost people. It is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Amazingly, His Word can set the tone for all that is going to take place today, tomorrow, and forever. It’s really as if God’s Word follows us around throughout the day.

To read it daily brings delight because no matter how many times we read a passage, God’s Spirit makes His Word fresh in the hearts of all His children who are sensitive to His voice. Our hearts become tender when we know what God says, and we not only want to live by it but we actually do what He says by faith. This is called obedience.

This past Christmas, God showed me fresh truth in the familiar verse Luke 2:14. He clearly reminded me that His favor rests on me! What a wonderful thought.

God approves of me in Christ Jesus. I do not have to win His favor or approval because He already proved His love and favor toward me by sending Christ into the world. On that first Christmas Jesus came to earth as a baby so we could experience God in human form.

God’s favor rests on you, too—forever. Let the deep meaning of the Christmas story move your heart closer to His heart this season.

Let’s live like we are favored! Thank the Lord that His Word always offers something fresh like the story of Jesus’ birth. Read the account in Luke 2:1-20.