
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you – wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 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 the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” —Luke 2:10-14
There’s a beautiful old Christmas legend that tells of how God called the angels together one day for a special choir rehearsal. God told them that there was a special song for them to learn – a song that they would sing at a very significant occasion.
The angels went to work on it. They rehearsed long and hard, with great focus and intensity. In fact, some of the angels grumbled a bit, but God insisted on a very high standard for this choir.
As time passed, the choir improved. Their tone and rhythm were blending beautifully. Finally, God announced that they were ready!
But then, God shocked them with this bit of news. God told them that there would be just one performance of this great song they had worked on so diligently.
Again, some of the angels grumbled. The song was so extraordinarily beautiful and they had it down pat now. Surely, they could sing it many, many times.
God simply smiled and told them that when the time came they would understand.
Finally the day arrived. God called them together and gathered them above a field just outside of Bethlehem. “It’s time,” God said to them, and the angels sang their song. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace and goodwill to all!”
As the angels sang, they knew there would never be another night like this. There would never be another birth like this birth in Bethlehem.
When the angels returned to heaven, God reminded them that they would not formally sing that song again as an angelic choir, but if they wanted to, they could hum the song to themselves.
One angel was bold enough to step forward and ask God, “Why? Why could they not sing that majestic anthem again? They did it so well. It felt so right. Why couldn’t they sing that great song anymore?”
“Because,” God explained, “my son has been born… and now earth must do the singing!”
We have been given the gift of God’s love in Jesus, and now it its time to share it. Will you sing? God is waiting. A Savior has been born! He is indeed the long-expected one, the Messiah, our Lord – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.
This good news makes my heart sing, “God is with us!”
Merry Christmas!
Emmanuel, you come to us as a baby and bring with you the gift of love and new life. Help us as we share this good news with the world. Amen.
Rev. Lane Cotton Winn