“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
“On whom his favor rests”…God’s favor is available to all who seek HIM. Favor is the same as Grace..It is a free gift from God to all of us. However, it is certainly felt more by those who spend time in prayer, spend time with His Word and spend time in communion with other Christian believers. Those who don’t develop a relationship receive this gift of Favor/Grace and often don’t realize that the impossible in their life was just made possible by God’s Favor/Grace. It is only by God’s undeserved favor that we can experience eternal life, and it is only by God’s grace that we have the opportunity to seek Him. Let us all use this season of Grace to seek the Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him as we remember how our Savior’s birth was announced to the Shepherds by an Angel of the Lord.
Luke 2:8-14 New International Version (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”