There’s a Place for You in the Christmas Choir
“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.’ 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 2:8-14
We have a friend from our area who had a very cool experience as a child. She had played Annie in a local play and on a visit to Nashville with her family, someone got word of her singing talent and had her on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. I can’t imagine the thrill.
Thrilling would be the word for this story. Some of the most unworthy, unwanted people in the land—the shepherds—who normal people looked on with disdain because of their appearance, vocation, and smell, are the audience for an extraordinary visitation. An angel appears to comfort and inform them of the greatest news ever told. To punctuate the glorious moment, a whole host of angels join in and glorify the Lord.
The angel says, “I bring you good news of great joy.” The Greek for “great news” is euongelion or “evangel.” Literally the angel said, “I bring you gospel.” The Christmas story is all about the Gospel. What is the good news? That’s the part we get to join in on.
The Gospel is…
- That Jesus is King. He sits on the throne in the lineage of His father, David. He deserves the position of King over our lives.
- That Jesus is Savior. The name “Jesus” is from the Hebrew word Yeshua or Joshua. It means “a savior of the people.” Like Joshua from the Old Testament, Jesus leads His people out of confusion and darkness into victory. He saves us from our sin.
- That Jesus is the Christ. Christ is not Jesus’ last name. It’s His title. “Anointed One.” He has been divinely appointed to the mission of redemption by God the Father and in the strength of God the Holy Spirit.
- That Jesus is Lord. “Adonai.” He bows to no one or steps back for any other power or force. He is rightfully Master and Sovereign over all. He is preeminent.
Then, the whole choir erupts in joyous refrain: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Gloria in excelsis Deo! I’ve read several commentators who stress the lack of the word “singing” in the text. It never says they sang, but can you imagine the angels just speaking this wonderful truth in some monotone voice? I doubt it! You also may have read other translations that say, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” The truest meaning of the text is more than just this general benediction on men everywhere indiscriminately. The angel praises God and informs us that there is peace only for those who know Him. Jesus is a Savior “for us.” The exclusive privilege for peace and salvation is for those who believe and trust in Christ.
You may feel useless or forgotten. I’m here to tell you that you can join a truly awesome and exciting project that’s been going on for eons—the glorious song of the adoration and proclamation of Jesus! You can whisper it, you can shout it, you can write it, you can post it, but please don’t ignore it.
Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone be glory.
Merry Christmas!