An Unexpected ChristmasSample

Day 10: A Choir of Angels

As much as we can imagine the shepherds’ shock at the appearance of the angels in the dead of night, it’s also fun to imagine what it must have been like for the angels. They waited behind the curtain of a dark night sky, ready to perform their debut song. 

The anticipation of this birth announcement couldn’t have been greater. The fullness of God has come to dwell in the fullness of man. This was the start of a new relationship of peace between God and humankind. The Light of the World stepped into the world. This was the biggest day in heaven’s history.

Announcing to the world that Jesus was here at last started with one angel but was punctuated by an entire choir of angels. This is only the second time in the Bible that more than one angel appears. The power and purpose of their presence are evident by the vastness of their number. Although we don't know the names of the angels or exactly how many angels appeared, humankind was never the same after their announcement. 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13–14)

Gloria, in excelsis Deo.

Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Glory to the newborn king.

This choir of angels observed what God had done and rejoiced. And the shepherds followed suit! The choir of angels set an example that the shepherds were hard-pressed not to follow. They saw what God had done, rejoiced at the sight of Jesus, and told everyone they could about our Savior! 

The shepherds joined in with the choir of angels. 

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)

They too became part of the birth announcement of Jesus. How wonderfully unexpected that the lowly shepherds became one voice with the choir of heavenly hosts.

What about your voice? Can you lend it to the choir? How have you seen Jesus show up for you? What song can you sing to rejoice? Although it might be difficult to see through the muck and mire of this year, look for the Light of the World. Observe what he has done and rejoice. 

Christmas is the perfect time to observe what God has done for us through Jesus and reflect back to God and the world how magnificent he is.