Luke 2 records one of the most significant and wonderful events in mankind’s history – the birth of Jesus. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they and every subsequent generation of mankind after them became subject to the penalty of sin, which is death (Genesis 3:17-19). By willingly sacrificing his perfect life, Jesus provided a corresponding price for Adam, sometimes referred to as the “ransom price” for mankind (1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Timothy 2:6).
Jesus is the means to mankind’s salvation (John 3:16-17). The Bible teaches that in the fullness of God’s plan mankind will be resurrected and taught how to grow back in harmony with God (Isaiah 35:8-10). After this period of re-education and rehabilitation concludes, every individual will be given a choice of continuing to follow God. Those who do will live out a wonderful eternity of everlasting joy in the light of God’s good will and peace (Revelation 20:12, 21:4).
The angel that appeared to the shepherds in Luke 2 proclaimed that the good tidings of Jesus’ birth would be “to all people” (Luke 2:10). Indeed, the man from whom the baby born in Bethlehem that night, Jesus, through his sacrifice, will provide joy to all people, as loved ones are reunited in the future resurrection and every heart is brought back into harmony with God. Who are those in God’s favor in Luke 2:14? It will be all of mankind! The angels were singing of the future time when every resurrected heart will be brought to understand Jesus’ role in their salvation, and, after choosing to abandon sin forever more and joyfully serve God, experience God’s everlasting and wonderous favor.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1261: “Am I Listening to the Angel?”
Looking at Jesus’ birth through the messages of angels
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
