All You Want for ChristmasНамуна

Angels We Have Heard on High

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” - Luke 2:13-14

Think

A few years ago, my nearly three-year-old grandson helped enlighten me about my own need to make worship a priority. One night before he fell asleep, he was lying in bed when he loudly burst out in song, “Gloria, Gloria, Gloria,” the refrain of the Christmas song he had heard earlier in the week. And then there was silence.

A few seconds later, this little angel repeated his praises to God, this time adding, “In excelsis Deo.” He had heard this chorus for the first time in his life earlier in the week, and now, he couldn’t help but continue to sing it as a way of praising God. It burst forth from his heart; the song was a part of him – and he sang God’s praises freely and joyfully over and over again. At that moment, as I stood in the hallway outside of his room, my heart was filled with joy as I whispered – “Gloria in excelsis Deo, indeed!”

I must confess that when I was growing up and heard the chorus to this song, I had no idea what it was about. What was clear to me was that the angels had appeared to the shepherds, and they were singing a beautiful song. But their message did not make sense to me. Yes, I could understand “Gloria,” but the “in excelsis Deo” part seemed like it was about some guy named “Excelsis” who must have been important in his day. But why would the angels be singing about that?

Later as a youth singing in a choir, I became aware that it means “glory in the highest.” In other words, above all else! It was the highest praise to God that the angels were singing. They were celebrating and sharing the good news of Jesus’ birth. That is what worship is all about – praising Jesus! As the angels worshiped, the shepherds responded by hurrying off and worshiping the newborn King. Just as when my grandson worshiped with his song, I was also drawn to worship.

Apply

As we walk through this Advent season, let’s consider how God is drawing each of us into worship. What does it mean for you to worship God in the highest or to the fullest? As you reflect on this, do you see worship being a priority in your life?

Pray

Dear God, I pray that you would help us to experience your great love for us this Christmas season through songs, your Word, and through others and that we would be drawn into worshiping you for the gift of Jesus you gave to each one of us as part of your plan for us. Thank you, Lord, for being with us always.

Author -Mike Clemmer serves as the Lead Pastor of Maple Grove Mennonite Church in Atglen, PA. Mike is married with four grandchildren and enjoys sports of all kinds, gardening, and meeting new people.