Day 11: The Song of the Angels
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:8-14
Devotional: I remember the first time I truly experienced surround sound. I was at a friend's house watching a movie. His dad had recently purchased a huge projector screen tv (I’m from the 90s sooo…) and a surround sound system. We were watching Jurassic Park and suddenly the room filled with sound from every direction. It was overwhelming at first, but then incredibly immersive. That experience gave me a tiny glimpse of what those shepherds might have felt that night – except instead of speakers, they were surrounded by angels, and instead of a movie soundtrack, they heard heaven's chorus.
Last Christmas Eve, our worship team practiced for hours to get every note perfect for the candlelight service. We wanted to create this magical moment where everything aligned just right. But you know what ended up being the most powerful part? Jamey had the band stop playing for a moment just so we could listen to all your voices without anything else under them. Your voices in the dark with your candles blessed my heart so much.
The shepherds' experience that night was anything but ordinary. These were simple men doing their routine job when suddenly the sky exploded with light and sound. The angels' announcement wasn't just a message – it was an invitation to join in heaven's celebration. Notice the progression: first came the news (a Savior is born), then came the praise (Glory to God in the highest). This is still the pattern of true worship today. When we really hear and understand what God has done for us, praise isn't far behind.
What's fascinating is that God chose shepherds to be the first audience for this heavenly chorus. Not kings, not priests, but shepherds. These were the essential workers of their day, the ones who did the hard, unglamorous jobs. Yet they got front-row seats to the greatest announcement in history. It reminds us that God's voice and His glory aren't reserved for the spiritual elite – they're for everyone who has ears to hear and a heart ready to receive.
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you were so overwhelmed by God's goodness that you couldn't help but praise Him?
How can you make space in your busy life to hear heaven's song this Christmas season?
Prayer Prompt: Thank God for His glorious announcement of salvation, and ask Him to help you hear and join in heaven's song of praise during this Christmas season.