Christmas According to Kids Part 2 — Shepherds Knew - Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)
If you are anything like me, you may have read the verses above and wondered, “Who are those ‘with whom he is pleased’?” This is an important question, because according to the text, these individuals are given peace.
Now, to be clear, the answer to that question has long been at the center of many theologically rich conversations, and I am by no means claiming to present the final answers, but I would like to at least bring to your attention one part of the conversation.
“With whom he is pleased” is the English translation of one word in the Greek (εὐδοκία). It is only used two other times in the gospels. Both of those uses are actually in parallel teachings recorded in separate gospels (Matthew 11:26 and Luke 10:21). Let’s explore Luke’s usage for a moment (the translation of εὐδοκία will be in bold):
“In that same hour, he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.’”
The NASB translates that last line, “for this way was well-pleasing in your sight.”
People way smarter than me have made interesting connections between the uses of εὐδοκία in the gospels. You put those three uses together, and you can start to formulate this idea that God’s desire is to reveal Himself and bestow His peace upon the childlike. You expand your focus a little wider to moments like Luke 18:15-17, and it becomes extremely clear that though this may not be all that Luke 2:14 is highlighting, it is safe to say it is at least part of what it is highlighting.
Bottom line: remaining childlike is central to life with God.
APPLICATION
Tomorrow is Christmas Day, which means if you haven’t already, you’re probably going to be around some people this week as they open their gifts. Use those moments as an opportunity to reflect on the ways you have either maintained or lost the childlike joy that should naturally come with receiving the gift of Jesus.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son. Help us to not lose the wonder we had when we first learned all that You have given us in His birth, death, and resurrection.