God’s Pleasure in Men - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Fear not I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

God's Pleasure in Men
In the area around Bethlehem, shepherds were staying overnight, taking care of their animals in the fields. One day, sheep that qualified would be presented to God as a sacrifice, according to the Mosaic Law. Is it not amazing? The Baby that was resting in the manger, a feeding trough, so close to the animals, would ultimately be "the Lamb of God" sacrificed to take away "the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29)! God cannot die, but the Son of God became a Man, with a human spirit, a human soul, and a human body. As the Second Man (1 Cor. 15:47), the last Adam (v. 45), He was able to die, and He did, to the glory of God!

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn. 1:14). This incredible statement is called "the mystery of godliness" (1 Tim. 3:16). The Angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, as the glory of the Lord shone around them. The angelic host saw their Creator for the first time: as a Babe just born and lying in the manger, in the tender care of His mother.

The angels said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good pleasure in men" (v. 14 jnd). This statement anticipated the Savior's work of redemption. He would be the Head of a new race, so God's pleasure could be in men, that is, in all those bought with His precious blood. The shepherds went to look for this newborn Babe and found Him. Then they proclaimed to all around what they had seen, to the surprise of many (v. 18).

Alfred E. Bouter
Glory to God on high, peace upon earth and joy, goodwill to man!

We who God's blessing prove, His name all names above,

Sing now the Savior's love, too vast to scan.

T. Kelly