Singing with Angels

Read: Luke 2: 8-20

Of all the things I love about the Christmas season, one my favorites is the music. The music of the season, both secular and sacred, has a way of bringing a smile to my face. In many of the Scripture passages of the Advent and Christmas season, we find our ancestors in faith bursting into song--Mary at Gabriel's announcement of Jesus' conception, Zechariah at the birth of John the Baptist, Simeon at the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the angelic chorus that heraled the birth of the Messiah. If we were to read of this accounts, we find these songs share a common trait:  they are all sung as praises to God--praises, predominately, for God's faithfulness to individuals and to God's people.

One of the invitations we receive at Christmastime is to join in the choruses of praise to God. Remember, this time of year is all about what God has done trusting in what God will do; it is a time to sing of God's glory and praise. There is something mystical about losing ourself in praise and worship. It is as if nothing else matters or is even going on. These are moments of pure joy and wondrous peace and tranquility, and there is nothing else like it. Sometimes, though, we tend to relegate these moments to worship on Sunday (or whenever you  happen to worship), and are afraid to enjoy them throughout the week. One of the great privelages God gives us is to worship whenever and wherever we like. Today, I want to invite you to experiment with the joy of worshipping God. Try this out--try allowing inward praise and singing to permeate your day. At this time of year, maybe a song such as "Angels We Have Heard on High" or "Joy to the World" could lead to those places of worship and praise. Whatever you do, see if you don't meet God in a powerful way!