Scripture: Luke 2:13,14
Try to imagine the scene that the shepherds’ witnessed on the isolated hillside.
- What do you think the shepherds must have thought at the first sight and sound of the angelic host?
- Identify the role of angels in each of the following accounts:
- Zechariah (Luke 1:11-19)
- Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
- Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)
- Shepherds (Luke 2:13,14)
- What qualities characterize angels?
- Do they serve any other function than messengers?
Meditation on Scripture
As early as Abraham, angels anticipated a descendant “through whom all nations would be blessed…” The Scripture this week focuses on the role of angels in anticipating both Advents – the First and Second Coming of Christ to earth – as well as the culmination of earthly history in a new order, a new Creation.
Recorded angelic activity reached an unprecedented flurry immediately preceding the birth of Christ as they prepared the “key” characters – Zechariah, Mary, Joseph – for their roles in the life of the coming Messiah. What “birth announcement” could compare with the angel’s appearance to the shepherds followed by the glorious company of angels praising God and saying “Glory to God!” It is no wonder that music plays such a prominent place in the history of celebrating the birth of Jesus!
As tension builds and action accelerates in the crowded days before Christmas, let us remain attuned to the many touches and glimpses of grace this season. May we not miss the protecting, proclaiming, praising angels who shimmer about us mortals, so often preoccupied and unaware of God’s matchless grace.
What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our Heavenly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!
Heart, ear, and eye, and everything
Awake! The while the active finger
Runs division with the singer.- Robert Herrick
