Joyful Strains from an Angelic Choir
The Advent candle of Joy glows around the dinner table. We recall that the announcement of the birth of the long-awaited Messiah was made to ordinary people. Shepherds, often considered the poorer class of workers at that time, were the first to hear the melodious sound of angel voices heralding the Good News of Christ’s birth.
Perhaps their humble ears were more open to hearing the joyous news. Their tender hearts open to God’s words. Their faith trusting in the prophecies from 400 years ago.
On that dark night, while the shepherds faithfully watched those rambling shepherds, the sky was suddenly ablaze with glorious light and angelic beings. Frightened by this dramatic change about them, the shepherds were startled. And one of the angels said to them, “Fear not, for behold, 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.”
Then the song of joy echoed through the hills from the choir of angels:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Wouldn’t we have loved to hear the angels sing? Would our hearts be dancing as our feet ran down the hills to Bethlehem? Would we be eager to see the baby and bow before Him with reverence and humility? Or would be terrified by this unexpected happening in the sky?
Hearing or seeing an angel could send tremors of worry through the person being visited. Would the news be good or should they be prepared for something terrible to happen? I would certainly have been terrified if I was on a hillside at night and the sky suddenly lit up. But it’s the shepherd’s faith that settles their heart.
And after the angels’ song of Joy, the shepherds head to the manger in Bethlehem described by the angels. They didn’t need a GPS to find their way. They knew the prophecies and trusted in God’s fulfillment of His word.
What are our hearts singing this Christmas? Are we rejoicing with the angels and shepherds that God’s word has come to pass? That the babe in our manger sets represents Our Savior, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords?
Even in the midst of difficult or painful circumstances, may this song fill our hearts with hope and joy. He is faithful to His word. Let’s prepare our hearts for Him to be our Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
May your Christmas bring you Joy,
Janis
Your posts bring such encouragement and joy as we journey toward Christmas. Thank you
Thank you so much, Marie. Your comments warm my heart and spur me on. May you have the fullest of His blessings this Christmas.
Blessings,
Janis
This is profound, Janis. I was just contemplating the shepherds yesterday and how they were the first to learn of Jesus’ birth.
Thank you, Tracy. What wonder that the Lord seeks out the humble in heart as those to receive His most precious news.
Fantastic post Janis. So touching, insightful, and encouraging. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Visiting today from Let’s have Coffee #12 & 13.
Thank you, Paula, for visiting here from Let’s Have Coffee. So many blessings to contemplate at this time of the year. Wishing you a Blessed Christmas, too.
Thank you for this heartfelt and beautifully written post. It has deeply stirred and ministered to my heart.
Thank you, Kathy, I’m glad this post stirred the joy of Christmas in your heart. Praying your Christmas will be full of blessings.
Amen and Amen! Janis, thank you for this beautiful post. “He is faithful to His word. Let’s prepare our hearts for Him to be our Lord of Lords and King of Kings.” May you and Tom have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you, Joanne. May your Christmas be blessed as well as we focus in on the Lord’s precious gift for us.
Janis, you have a gift for writing.Lv, pam
Thank you, Pam. May God shine through my humble jottings.
Thank you, Pam. May it shine through for the Lord.