Advent Devotion - Day 25

DECEMBER 25 – Luke 2:13-14

By: Russ Hauck

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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14 ESV)

The angel announced the birth of Christ and then was joined by a multitude of angels who sang “Glory to God in the highest…” A hint of what that might have sounded like may be found in Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria in Excelsis Deo (you can hear some of that on YouTube: http://youtu.be/8kzgMkpsw_M ). Can you imagine – a chorus of a thousand or more angelic voices singing Gloria? Magnificent and stirring!

But why did God choose to announce the birth in this way to some poor shepherds? I believe that this was not just an announcement of a one-time event, however great that was in and of itself. No, I think it is more than that. It’s a metaphor – an example of how we also should serve as announcers and messengers of this good news. Christ has come to a waiting world! And, so we also sing, with joy and thanksgiving… “Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace and good will to all!”

Prayer
Most gracious and loving God, we pray that we might be stirred to action and join that chorus – that we might be not just hearers of the Word, but also announcers who, in our words and in our actions, joyfully proclaim the good news to others. The good news that Christ has come for all people. Glory to God and Amen!

Family Moment
On the very first Christmas Day, the angels sang praises to God. What are your family’s favorite ways to praise God? Is it a Christmas song? Sing Christmas carols together – perhaps even “Angels We have Heard on High” or “Angels from the Realms of Glory.” Pray: Lord, give us a heart that is always singing your praises! Amen.