Hear the Angels Sing

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel 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.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’”
Luke 2:8-12

My father would always tell the story that when my older sister was born, his first born, he put the top down on his convertible and drove around passing out cigars and announcing to the neighbors that he was a dad.  I love that when Jesus was born, God couldn’t wait to celebrate.  Jesus’ birth was such exciting news, God couldn’t wait to announce it. 

Notice who the first to hear the good news are – shepherds.  Not kings, not rulers, not the rich, not the religious leaders, not even Joseph and Mary’s family.  God sought out these lowly men to let them know that the Good Shepherd had arrived. 

“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)

Isn’t it amazing that the angels are praising God for the birth of Jesus?  Suddenly a ton of angels show up out in that field and they are all giving praise to God.  That must have been quite a sight!  When describing the amazing gift of salvation, Peter says it is something “into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:12).  These heavenly beings, who have been in the presence of God for all of their existence, marvel at the birth of Jesus and the saving grace of God for us humans. 

Christmas is only a few days away now.  You may be scrambling to get those last few gifts purchased.  You may be getting worried about getting the house in order and preparing a nice meal for your family and friends.  You may be heartbroken this year over the loss of a loved one.  In all of these things, remember that we are celebrating a marvelous gift!  Through all of the noise and the hustle and bustle, listen for the angels singing.