Luke 2:11-14
Angels
Reflection: Christmas music and angels seem to be inextricably tied together. We have all seen artist drawings or crafted models of angels singing and even holding music. We may even have singing angels hanging on our Christmas tree or on our mantle. But do angels really sing? Most of us would assume that yes, they must. Have you ever heard the compliment, ”She sings like an angel!”?
The Bible, however, is not exactly clear or conclusive on this subject, and would rather seem to point to the idea that singing was especially reserved for us, the blessed human race, as an emotional outlet, a priceless tool to use to praise and worship a living God, our Savior Jesus Christ who came to us as a helpless baby on that first Christmas.
But isn’t one of our favorite Christmas carols, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”? And didn’t the angels sing “Glory to God in the highest” to the sleepy shepherds on the hillside that wondrous night? The apostle Luke tells us that the “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 (NIV) According to Luke, it wasn’t a song, but it certainly was an awe inspiring and knee shaking joyful announcement of praise by the radiant heavenly host!
I am sure that the angels must look on in awe at all that God has done for us, His children. Although we have let God down, we have all fallen short, yet His limitless love for us involved the highest sacrifice of His own dear son. Jesus came to this earth to show us how to live, and then died in our place. What must the angels have thought as they saw these almost inconceivable events unfold before their eyes? They do not have the extraordinary gift and opportunity that we have to call Jesus their Savior.
In closing, we all must echo that music is a wonder. Music is a very special gift that all human beings enjoy on some level. Music lifts us to another realm of feeling and exquisite emotion. When we praise God in music, we feel transported in our spirit to a higher place of worship and praise to our creator. At Christmas, many of our happiest memories are relived when we sing carols together. We are praising our Lord for the most precious gift we could ever receive. This undeserved gift of a Savior who brings everlasting life to us, the family of God. May this Christmas find your heart stirred and renewed by the wonder of music.
Merry Christmas and sing on!
Prayer: Lord, my heart is filled with gratitude for the wonder of music and every musical opportunity this Advent season affords to offer praise and adoration to you.
Sharon Thorlakson, Deacon Dr. Paul Thorlakson, Director of Music