December 25

Luke 2:8-20

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

“To God on high, the highest praise and peace to all down here.
God favors those who live with love and keeps them from all fear.”
The echo of that song in unexpected gladness rings.
And Christmas calls us to be still and hear the angels sing.

Beyond all darkness and all sin, the truth is told above:
that God shines light upon our world, that God draws near in love.
As Word takes Flesh, big concepts such as grace and truth and peace
are made concrete in Jesus, who embodies words like these.

The angels point to Him tonight. He comes in mystery.
They point to him for He’s the One who redeems history.
We’re not left empty or alone, cut off from heaven’s plan.
The song connects both strong and weak in one young Jewish man.

One day when Christ would show his strength in great humility,
He rode a colt into the town for all the world to see.
Bystanders waved their palms and raised their voices up to sing:
“All peace in heaven, glory too”[1] -- the angels echoing!

That’s what God wants – an echo! As the song starts from above,
It comes to dwell among us, then we give it back in love.
From God, through us, and back to God. That’s how the carols move.
The world is filled with rhythm ‘til we all get in the groove.

God starts the joy by sending Christ. The shepherds join the dance
And soon this night is filled with light, and all receive the chance
To lay down troubles at the cross, all sins abandoning.
And then the “world gives back the song which now the angels sing.”

So now we sing. We must respond. For much is now at stake
This world is shrouded in dark gloom and few dare stay awake.
The Caesars stomp with bloody boots and fill weak souls with fright.
It's up to us to echo grace. Our songs shall pierce the night.

Our mission is to sing, and serve all neighbors who cannot,
until the song consumes the world. This is God’s joyful plot.
This day we echo angels as we sing of peace and grace.
We lift the song that we received. With candles, find your place.

Rev. Bill Carter 

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[1] Raymond Brown’s observation on Luke 19:38, from The Birth of the Messiah (Doubleday)