Advent Devotions – December 14th

 Luke 2:13 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,”

What do you think of when you hear “heavenly host”… someone who has the most amazing, thoughtful, fun, amazing parties, with a stunning home, delicious foods, just the right drinks, looking like a magazine layout?  All poised and utterly perfect in every way? No so much, huh?

Well the heavenly host here means a multitude coming from heaven – an army/band of soldiers. The greek word stratia comes from a derivative of stratos (an army from the base of, as encamped). Psalm 34:7 tells us that “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”

The shepherds weren’t the only ones who had a host of heavenly angels with them.  We do, too! God has sent His angels to encamp around us and rescue us.  Encamp can also mean to abide, to pitch a tent – angels are abiding with us, staying awhile to watch over us.  Now while we are meant never to worship the angels, but the Lord Himself, Creator and Commander of angels, we certainly can thank Him for sending these winged warriors to protect us from the enemy and his army.  As you go about your day, stop and thank God for all the things from which He has protected you with his angelic army.