Why The Angels Sing

by Pastor Tim Shaw

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

I flew to Southern California this week to be with my family for Christmas. I’m actually writing this as we bounce our way across the Pacific. It was only yesterday (December 18th) when a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Phoenix hit severe turbulence as they approached Hawaii, injuring a number of passengers and flight attendants. I’m praying for those who were hurt or traumatized on Sunday.

Today, as we boarded the flight I’m on, the pilot and the chief flight attendant repeatedly warned us that we would be flying into that same storm on our way to California. They cautioned us and exhorted us to stay in our seats with our seatbelts securely fastened until it was safe to get up and walk around the cabin.

We need seatbelts on flights across the Pacific Ocean, and we need them in our everyday lives. We need something that is going to keep us safe and secure when the challenges of life hit suddenly and things begin to shake.

Throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas, we have been on a journey. We’ve been exploring the hidden identity of the Child born in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. This One who was swaddled in strips of cloth, cradled in His parents’ arms, and asleep in a feeding trough for animals was none other than the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, and the Light of the World. God Himself came to Earth to be with us and to offer us His strong and secure embrace to hold us fast when life begins to shake.

Charles Wesley, the brother of theologian John Wesley, wrote over 6,000 hymns. His brother described Charles’ hymnal as the best theological book in existence. Charles wrote one of the most famous and beloved Christmas carols we sing every year. In the second verse of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, he wrote, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see. Hail the Incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with us to dwell. Jesus, our Immanuel. Hark the herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King.”

Though hidden from our view, we are encouraged to see that our God is with us. The One who is all powerful and all loving is with us in the midst of the storms. He has come to bring us His peace, to light our path, and to accompany us on our journey through life. We are not alone. He is our Guide and Companion, who is with us in the turbulence we might be experiencing today.

Hark! the herald angels sing


Glory to the newborn King;


Peace on earth and mercy mild,


God and sinners reconciled:


Joyful all ye nations rise,


Join the triumph of the skies,


With the angelic host proclaim,


Christ is born in Bethlehem:


Hark! the herald angels sing


Glory to the newborn King.

 

Reflection

  • What turbulence are you experiencing today? What are its sources? What emotions are coming to the surface?

  • In prayer, talk with Jesus about all that, and tell Him which aspects of His veiled identity you need most today (His power and might, His peace, His light, His presence). Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit, listen for His voice, and watch for how He answers your prayer.

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