Carols Devotional: “It’s About Spiritual Warfare”

Christmas: It’s about spiritual warfare

“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others- the armies of heaven– praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:13-14)

Often we think of the Christmas story as a tranquil event, a sleepy story that peacefully unfolded in the remote corners of nighttime Bethlehem — where docile sheep and oxen surrounded Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

But in fact, the Christmas story is “linked to danger and to ancient conflict between good and evil” (Bible Gateway). The story relays the details of a successful invasion into enemy territory, an invasion planned long ago (Revelation 12).

The birth of Jesus was a spiritual D-Day. Angels no doubt battled unseen forces to protect Mary and Joseph as they made the long, dusty journey from Galilee to Judea.

The enemy threw all his might into stopping this invasion. But he failed – Jesus Christ was born on that night!

The armies of heaven appeared suddenly in the night, as if pausing mid-battle to celebrate a long awaited and hard fought victory. Their celebration was staged on the outskirts of Bethlehem as they held the perimeter. They cried out, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Their praise rang out over the hillside declaring victory over the enemy!

The angels came to rejoice, because Jesus’ arrival was the beginning of the end. The end of suffering. The end of the enemy’s rule. The end of death. Jesus’ birth brought new hope and light to the battlefield.

What spiritual battle are you faced with today? Take time to rejoice that Jesus Christ, our Messiah and Savior, has come and secured the victory.

Micheal DiFelice