Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
the heavenly host praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest, and
on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Do you know what was one of the hardest, smelliest, and
most dangerous jobs in Jesus' time? If you said "shepherd" then
you're right! Shepherds worked long hours and slept outside. They chased away
dangerous animals and thieves, had to find water for themselves and the
animals, and nursed the sheep back to health when they were sick. Even though their job was hard, shepherds
didn't always get a lot of thanks. But God cares about everybody--shepherds
included--and that's part of why we read in Luke that he sent his angels to
shepherds to announce the birth of Christ! These particular shepherds were
guarding the sheep at night when an angel appeared and told them about Jesus.
Then, more angels appeared, and they sang, "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." The Savior God had
promised was coming--and that meant good news for even the smelliest of
shepherds!
In Angels We Have Heard on High, we sing the story of the
shepherds and we sing the song of the angels, "Glory to God in the
highest." Although we don't know
who wrote this carol, we do know that the song was originally French, written
in the 18th century and translated into English around 1862. The carol speaks of hearing the angels' song
echoing in the mountains, and then questions the shepherds about why they are
so happy. Then it answers, and begs those who hear to come to Bethlehem to see
King Jesus, about whom the angels were singing. The carol then invites us to
imagine Jesus, lying in a manger, the Lord of heaven and earth whom even his
earthly parents ought to worship. God could have sent Jesus' birth announcement
to kings and queens all over the world, but instead, he sent it to shepherds.
Singing this carol encourages us to praise the God who keeps his promises, and
who cares about everybody, whether they are shepherds or kings or you or me.
Dear Lord, we thank You for always keeping your promises.
We thank You that You care for each of us so much You came to Earth to bring us
salvation. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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