Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:8-14

No. I don’t have my holidays mixed up! Yes. I know this is typically spoken during the time we celebrate Christ’s birth, not death and resurrection. But when I was thinking of this weekend being Easter, I thought, if He’d never been born, He would have never died.

It’s a simple truth, really. God had a plan, a very big plan, to buy us access to Him without the rituals of daily blood and sacrifice. A one time, ultimate sacrifice of His Son. To pull it off though, it involved a young girl named Mary, her betrothed, Joseph, her cousin Elizabeth and her husband, Zacharias….well, you can read it all for yourself beginning in chapter 1.

My point is, plans involve people, lots and lots of people. Finding the right combination of people to accomplish that plan takes a Master who sees all and knows all. A God with the highest perspective and access to hearts. Who knows just when to stir up the gifts He’s placed in them, to move to where He needs them to be and to passionately serve His purpose.

No wonder the angels were so geeked! They were excited to see the plan of God appear in the earth, to welcome back all the sons and daughters back to the throne room of God.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to men.

So when you’re facing thoughts of hopelessness and discouragement, look up toward the God who has a bigger plan than you could ever imagine. You’re a small part of that. Find your place, walk in your peace and the goodwill the Father has in store for those who love Him.

Sandy G