21 Nov December 26th Daily Devotion

A CELEBRATION

Luke 2:8-14 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Johann Sebastian Bach composed the beautiful symphony, The Messiah.  This time of year, symphony halls around the world are filled to capacity with people desiring to hear this tremendous work of Bach that set to music the Gospel’s message of Jesus Christ come into the world to save sinners.  Symphony musicians and select choruses join together to speak this message.  The crowning moment of the Symphony is the Hallelujah Chorus when instrumentalists, choir and the audience standing give glory to God in honor of the birth of Jesus.

Bach was a student of the Bible.  In fact, his personal bible still exists today with countless margin notes in his personal handwriting.  Bach read Luke chapter 2 that inspired him to compose not only the Hallelujah chorus but the entire symphony.  The words and music of the Hallelujah chorus literally transfer the hearers of this classical work back to Luke 2:8-14, hearing not only the Symphonic chorus but even the angelic choir that sang these words to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem when Jesus was born, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

I pray you have had opportunity in the past several days to have heard the Hallelujah Chorus and perhaps even Bach’s entire Messiah.  Literally, or within your mind, sing the words of the angels this day, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Celebrate, along with the angels the Good News that Jesus was born, wrapped in rags, and laid in a manger in Bethlehem to grow into an adult man to hang on Calvary’s cross to pay for your sins and earn for you God’s forgiveness and gift of eternal life.  Hallelujah!  Jesus saves!

Prayer:  Thanks and praise to You heaven Father for sending Your Son Jesus to save me and all people from our sins and prepare for all of us the way to heaven.  Hallelujah!  Amen!

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plain,

And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.  Refrain:

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Refrain:

Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Refrain:

(LSB 368)