All You Want for ChristmasSample

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” - Luke 2:14

Think

Several experiences in my life that have been so incredible I can’t help but tell someone about them. Many times, those experiences have to do with food. I don’t think I’m obsessed with food, as some have suggested, but I deeply enjoy good food. In fact, one time I was brought to tears at a locally known burger joint in South Carolina.

One bite of that perfectly constructed and masterfully seasoned burger, and the tears just started to flow. The people I was with quickly took out their cameras to capture the spectacle (it was a bit of a scene as I hailed the waiter and tried to communicate through misty eyes and sniffles how wonderful the burger was and to please thank the chef). I didn’t care how ridiculous I looked to the patrons in the restaurant, who gave confused glances toward our table. I was having an experience. I guess I would consider that particular dinner a “spiritual experience.” That beef patty was so good I couldn’t help but respond with emotion.

We tend to express adoration toward what we enjoy and love. It could be a burger, a clothing line/style that just fits you, a friend who just “gets you,” your family, a sports team you follow, celebrities you resonate with…etc. We’re built to experience joy and assign value to its source.

Apply

What are you enjoying and, as a result, unconsciously or consciously worshiping (ascribing worth to)? Whatever it is, you’re probably compelled to “sing its praise” or “herald its praise.” In my case, I became an unpaid ambassador of that special burger joint simply because I experienced something good there (a mouthwatering burger). And even more, I anticipated more good to come in the future and kept on going back for more.

We want joy. We want peace. We want something to “herald!” When we encounter God and He meets us exactly where we are, we’re awed by Him, and the natural response is to “sing His praise.” What did the angels sing about? They sang about the birth of the King. They sang about the incredible reality of God taking on flesh and being born as a human infant for the sake of humanity’s reconciliation to Himself. They sang as if Jesus were right there in front of them because they were compelled by the reality of His entry into the world and the anticipation of His present and future glory among them. That’s something worth making a joyful noise about!

Pray

Lord, help us not to seek first an experience of joy and peace but to seek you and, as a result, know a deeper sense of peace and joy than we ever have before. Lord, let that deeper understanding and experience of your presence with us compel us to herald the good news.

Author - Kevin Hackett serves as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Grace Point Church in Paradise, PA. Kevin is married with five children and enjoys biking, hiking, and the arts.