The Bible describes several different people seeing an angel and the most common response is fear. (Numbers 22:31, Judges 6:22, Dan. 10:7, Matt. 16:5)
These shepherds are no different.
Luke 2:9 KJV — And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
But they experienced something more.
Luke 2:13-14 KJV — And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
These humble shepherds saw and heard a host of angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus.
The gift of God’s Son was so momentous an occasion that a host of angels sang.
Luke 2:20 KJV — And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
The shepherds glorified God, praising Him.
The praises of those messengers of God and those of the shepherds of long ago stand as an example.
May we join them and together, rejoice in the salvation of the world!
This picture is of the book Child of Promise by Stormie Omartian illustration by Jack Terry.
Christmas!
Today, I want to focus on the choir.
Because no one before or since has been audience to such a choir.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 NKJV
Nothing the human mind can imagine will ever be able to replicate the praises of the angels.
The mere sight of one angel would be impressive.
Not to mention terrifying (there’s a reason they normally say, ‘Do not fear.’)
But what does a host of angels look like?
What did it sound like?
Heaven.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” Isaiah 6:1-3 NKJV
The prophet Isaiah got a glimpse into heaven, he recorded both what he had seen and what he heard.
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: Revelation 4:8-10 NKJV
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:11 NKJV
Both accounts tell us that worship and praise is continually before the throne of God.
How appropriate for a heavenly choir to be at the birth of the Christ.
Although, our abilities to comprehend some things about heaven are limited, this we can both understand and practice.
God is worthy of our praise.
Let us join the choir and worship the king of Kings!
Psalm 100:2 NKJV — Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
Psalm 95:1 NKJV — Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Psalm 98:4 NKJV — Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for showing us a tiny glimmer of the wonders of heaven. Lord, thank You for reminding us that the angels praise You continually and so should we. Lord, there is such joy in worship and praise, and I am so thankful to be able to praise Your holy name. Lord Jesus, be magnified this day! Let all those who are called by Your name praise You. Amen!
Sometimes what is feeding the body seems to dry up the soul.
When walking daily with God in the wilderness the Israelites had abundant provision for their bodies.
Scripture tells of water which gushed from the rock, white flat substance which tasted like wafers with honey blanketed the ground each work day.
The clothes on their backs never grew old and the sandals didn’t wear out.
Yet few are the songs recorded from the sojourn in the wilderness.
Instead we have written down, complaints.
Grumbling over thrist.
Whining over “no meat”.
Accusations about the leaders.
Disgust over choice of wife.
Fear of being wiped out by their enemies.
Where were the thankful hearts, who understood with awe the miraculous way God had delivered them from slavery?
Yet in my own heart and life I find too many similarities to the Israelites.
When I am grumbling over bills or vehicles which won’t work or having to cook three meals a day, my heart should instead be thankful.
It never grows less amazing, the way Christ payed for my sin, so why do I allow myself to forget?
The miracle of setting me free from slavery to sin has never tarnished.
Yet He is merciful.
When complaints or discouragement rob me of my joy, His Word is faithful to remind me of all I have to sing about.
Just like the manna which provided and sustained the Israelites. We have God’s Word to feed our souls.
And so I sing instead of whine.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul! Oh O my soul. Worship His holy name! Sing like never before, O my soul! …”
patientlyhopeful 