Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! Luke 2:13-14 HCSB
Each year at First Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas we would erect a large Christmas tree that climbed 40 feet toward the ceiling in the sanctuary. Next came the fresh greenery and then beautiful lights were added. It was a week long production just to erect the tree. The smell of the greenery filled the sanctuary. The choir would prepare Christmas music, and each night for a week they would fill the different levels of the tree and share the Christmas story through music and drama. People from all over the city and surrounding cities would come see the “Living Christmas Tree”. One of the more popular songs the choir would sing was Gloria in Excel-sis Deo (Angels We Have Heard on High).
Try to imagine the shepherds enjoying a quiet evening on the rocky slopes surrounding Bethlehem. The sheep had probably been put in the sheep pen and the shepherds were possibly conversing and preparing for a good night’s rest when suddenly an angel appeared and delivered an amazing message Then a multitude of angels filled the sky singing praises to God. The angels’ voices and the bright lights surely caused the shepherds to be frightened. The angel’s song is usually referred to as “Gloria” based upon the first word in the Latin translation. It is the basis for many Christmas carols such as “Gloria in Excel-sis Deo” or “Angels We Have heard on High” and liturgical chants.
Challenge: Do not be surprised what God can do in any situation. Give glory to God in the Highest for sending His Son to die on the cross and providing a way for you to have eternal life. Join in the singing and praise God through songs like the angels did many years ago. Listen to Chris Tomlin sing “In Excel-sis Deo” on Youtube at https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=A0LEViUMA5FU6kQAjI8PxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTBs