The First Christmas Choir

Luke, chapter two: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." This is one of the best know scenes in the Christmas Story! The Angel of the Lord appears at night to a band of Bethlehem shepherds. The men are "sore afraid" (filled with great fear) but the angel is comforting: good news…great joy! That encounter has been the stuff of story and song for 20 centuries. Have you ever considered how many hymns were inspired by angel's greeting? Perhaps you've sung many of them this Christmas. But, of course, the best of all of these hymns was that first worship song, sung by a Celestial choir: V.13 – And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." Christmas is upon us! Let's not let it blow past us without considering how wonderful and life changing Christmas should be. I'd ask you to consider with me five reasons the angels' song is such good news! Their Christmas carol: i.) fulfills promises; ii.) saves sinners; iii.) changes lives; iv.) glorifies God; v.) invites everyone. I can't imagine a better song!