Luke 2:13-14 (The Message)

Praise

Reflection:  Music has been loved for centuries.  It can make you feel happy and calm or joyous and energized.  Music is heart healthy, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress levels.  It engages your brain and can improve your memory.  Music truly is amazing.

As I reflect on the scripture from Luke 2, I think about what a fabulous experience it must have been for the shepherds watching their flocks that night.  To see and hear an angelic choir sing God’s praises and peace on earth – WOW!

Many Christmas carols use parts of this scripture in their lyrics – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, “Angels, from the Realms of Glory”, “The First Noel” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” to name a few.

I have always loved “Angels We Have Heard on High” and have fond memories singing it in my church as a child and when Christmas caroling in college.  The hymn tune, “Gloria” is from a traditional French song of unknown origin often thought to be written by a monk in France.  It was first published as a hymn in 1855.  Today there are many variations of it.  There is a simple, soothing version by pianist Jim Brickman, a gorgeous duet by Josh Groban and Brian McKnight, a rhythmic rendition by Pentatonix and an inspiring version by Celtic Woman.  But perhaps the most meaningful is singing the carol at a Christmas Eve service and imagining the heavenly choir of angels singing their praises on the night of Jesus’s birth.

Prayer:   Dear God, thank you for the wonder of music.  As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we join with the angels in singing your praises.  May we do all we can to bring about peace on earth. Amen.

Barb Denlinger, Elder