The Pilgrim Path---Luke 2: 10—14

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

“GLORY TO GOD!”

Charles Wesley was one of the most prolific hymn writers that Great Britain ever produced. He wrote over 6,500 hymns. That is simply past amazing! The noted hymnologist, John Julian, says that one of his Christmas hymns is one of the four most popular hymns in the English language. Here it is: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Looking at the text for today, you will notice that the angels only praise God and “say” that HE is to be glorified for the gift of the Prince of Peace---the LORD Jesus Christ. Interesting point from the text. The old radio preacher, J. Vernon McGee used to say that the angels do not really sing---“because they have never been redeemed---and fallen angels cannot be redeemed.” Fallen man however---may be transformed by the grace of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such beings as You and I---we have something to sing about! We become joint heirs with Jesus the Savior. What a benefit from the Christ of Christmas!

Sometimes we do not feel like singing because our circumstances have gotten the better of us. Yet, Holy Scripture reminds us---let everything that has breath---praise the LORD (Psalm 150: 6). We must pause with some regularity and consider what the Living Christ has done for Us---what HE is doing for Us---and what HE will yet bring to pass for Us as His sons and daughters.

“If we could praise God perfectly, we would love him completely and then our joy would be full. The new heavens and new earth are perfect because everyone and everything is glorifying God fully and therefore enjoying him forever. So, Psalm 150 gives us a glimpse of that unimaginable future. So, praise him everywhere (verse 1) for everything (verse 2) in every way (verses 3—5). ‘Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.’” Tim & Kathy Keller

“Singing, like praying, can work wonders (Acts 16: 25-26). Singing is the expression of a gracious soul. Wicked men only make a noise. Singing is joy expressed. There is no joy comparable to what we have in Christ! As we pray in the Spirit, so we should sing in the Spirit! Singing sweetens a prison, prepares us for suffering, and lightens and exhilarates the soul.” John Wells

HYMN

Christ, by highest Heaven adored, Christ , the everlasting LORD!

Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays hid glory by, born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.

Charles Wesley, 1739, 1753; alt.

PRAYER

Grant, O God, of your mercy,

That we may come to everlasting life,

And there beholding your glory as it is,

May equally say:

Glory to the Father who created us,

Glory to the Son who redeemed us,

Glory to the Holy Spirit who sanctified us.

Whose works are inseparable,

Whose kingdom without end abides,

From age to age, forever. Amen.

Augustine (354—430)

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason