Heaven on Earth

I. Glory in Heaven 
We can be even more specific about what God’s mercy means for these lowly shepherds. The angels are singing in a poetic style recognizable to the Hebrews. There are effectively two couplets that can be expressed in four words: “glory-God” and “peace-earth.” We could restate it as a catechism question, “Q. How is the glory of God’s mercy in heaven revealed on earth? A. Peace.” Why? Because where God dwells as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit there is peace. Out of mercy then God decided to bring us into the peace of his Trinitarian existence. In Scripture the word shalom is applied to three different situations: 1) when people call each other “friend”; 2) when two parties to a covenant are keeping the stipulations; 3) absence of war. Each of those is traceable back to the relationships within the Trinity.

• War:  The Bible is clear the Father, Son and Spirit are united in truth, purpose and love. The only use of war language in reference to heaven is when God cast out the rebellious Lucifer and his minions. Warfare is not tolerated in heaven. There is only peace. 
• Covenant:  The Covenant of Redemption was lovingly initiated by the Father (Jn. 3:16), eagerly accomplished by the Son (He. 10:5-7), and sovereignly applied by the Spirit (Ps. 2:8; Ac. 2:17-21). In sum, it was the work of the Triune God to accomplish our salvation.
• Friendship:  Scripture makes it obvious the Father, Son and Spirit work together agreeably as friends as when they made man in their image (Ge. 1:26).

II. Peace on Earth
These are parallel expressions in this verse. That means “peace on earth among those with whom God is pleased” is parallel to “glory to God in the highest.” The coming of the Son to earth brings the glory of God to earth and the result will be peace.

• War:  If you are in Christ, your warfare with God is over. Better news than no longer being an enemy of God is that he is no longer your enemy! There may be any number of reasons you are going through what you are now, but one can no longer be that God is against you!
• Covenant:  Not only did Christ create a peace treaty, he transforms us into loyal covenant partners to God. By means of our union with Christ, we are seen by God as loyal covenant partners. Then by putting his Spirit in us, Jesus gradually makes us truly obedient (He. 10:16). We are at peace with God and every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, he assures us of that peace.
• Friendship:  We are no longer at war with God, but at peace. We are no longer covenant rebels, but peaceful covenant keepers. But can we actually say we are “friends” now with God? Is that not going too far? Well, if we asked Jesus here is what he would say, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you” (Jn. 15:14-16).

Questions for Reflection/Discussion: 
1.  How would you sum up the peace that exists in Heaven?
2.  How would you sum up the peace that exists between Heaven and Earth?
3.  How has this peace been accomplished and what does that mean for you?
4.  What is one way you can live in response to this peace?