MANIC ANGELS!

MANIC ANGELS!

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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, good will toward men.

           I am chuckling to myself even as I type this morning because of my use of the word manic in describing these angels. I chose the word because the dictionary definition is [1] excitement of psychotic proportions accompanied by disorganized behavior and elevated mood [2] excessive enthusiasm. This is, to me, the only explanation for a sky full of angels visiting a handful of shepherds.

           Excessive enthusiasm aptly describes the mood of the angels on the night Jesus was born. God’s program of redemption lay sleeping in the straw. All of heaven rejoiced in an explosion of excitement. Dignity, glory, honor, praise and worship belonged to the Lord! Harmonious bursts of praise filled the night sky.

           The angel of the Lord composed himself just long enough to explain to the shepherds this excited heavenly outburst. “Sorry to startle you but something wonderful has just happened! Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior which is Christ the Lord. And you will find him wrapped in strips of cloth resting in a manger.”

           Glory to God in the highest had been the angels’ song since before the foundation of the world. Now they added a pronouncement of peace on earth and goodwill to men. The Prince of Peace had come and there would be marvelous changes take place on earth. Men who slumbered in darkness had seen a great light. These were tidings of great joy to all people. This is the true excitement of Christmas. It is the reason for every carol sung and every twinkling light strung on every tree. It is our dim attempt to replicate the angels’ praise. The most dazzling efforts of man pale in comparison.

Dear Lamb of God, my soul rejoices with the angels. May each reader today experience the excessive enthusiasm which comes from knowing their sins are forgiven. AMEN