“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)
Have you ever had goose bumps go up and down your spine when a thousand voices joyfully sang a hymn that tugged at your heart? I can only imagine that the shepherds must have been shaking in their sandals while a multitude of voices were praising God out in the fields that still, silent night two thousand years ago.
There were a number of occasions when I sat and listened to the congregation at Bon Barger in Caredeux joyfully sing praises to God in a hymn that went on and on and they had no sheet music to follow…just their hearts, minds and voices singing praises to their Heavenly Father, our Heavenly Father. What will heaven be like? One day all of the believers from every tribe and race will be joining together singing praises to our Heavenly Father in one common tongue. While we wait for that moment, let’s close by reading the words to the hymn ‘Hark the Herald Angels sing’ which was written by Charles Wesley in 1739.
“Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim. "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!" Christ, by highest heaven adored. Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King!"
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay