Dec. 24, 2012

“This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” – Luke 2:11-14

Have you ever heard the heavenly hosts sing? Or as this translation calls the, “the heavenly forces?”

Yesterday during church while we sang “Angels We Have Heard on High,” when we got to the chorus, I thought of the heavenly hosts. “Glooooooria, in excelsis deo! Glooooooria, in excelsis deo!”

When we hear a beautiful singer, we say they sing like an angel. Or when a little person sings a special song, we gush over them. These are heartfelt moments.

Yet, I’m still not sure they compare to the heavenly hosts singing. I love Christmas music. We had lots at yesterday’s service and will have a lot of music at tonight’s service. For me, music is a significant way to connect with the Christmas story. Through music, we hear the story in different ways that allows us to relive the story with each song.

I’m confident the heavenly forces would have blown me away. They would have been more dramatic than the greatest church choir. How only some lowly shepherds heard them, I’m not quite sure. As we gather for Christmas Eve worship today, I pray that our voices will come together and enjoy the many beautiful Christmas carols we love to hear. It doesn’t matter if we’re great singers or not. To God, any voices raised and telling the story of the child’s birth will be music to God’s ears. Let us be the heavenly forces that proclaim the Savior’s birth this night.

Gloria! Peace on earth to those God favors. Maybe our singing voices aren’t as skilled or professional as a heavenly choir. But let us know that You, Almighty God, love to hear us sing of the Savior’s birth. Touch our hearts this day as we proclaim the Savior’s birth. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne