The Angel's Song

Pastor Jeff

The Songs of Christmas • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Salvation

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Good morning MBC! It’s great to be together. I’m so glad you’re here and would like to add my greeting to any first time guests. Welcome. If you’re looking for a church home I pray your time here will be a part of God drawing you to himself and perhaps leading you to a church family. I know the Lord is going to do a good work in all of us during our time together. Before we open God’s Word together I want to highlight two important “family matters”

· Virgina Garrett resignation

· Christmas Candlelight service - TONIGHT

Let’s pray.

INTRODUCTION

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A long time ago, back in the day when I still had hair, I was a blondish haired boy growing up in the mecca we know as Morrill, Nebraska, and I loved Saturday mornings. Saturday mornings were special – you didn’t have to get up and go to school, and every Saturday morning I would get up and watch cartoons until it was time for Casey Casum’s Top 40 Countdown. I listened to Casey Casum’s Top 40 Countdown every Saturday morning (anyone else?) – We had a long console radio with a record player that I could dial into to the top 40 countdown which subsequently made doing weekend chores so much better – I couldn’t wait to hear what the number one song was every week.

The Christmas season is filled with lots of great music – traditional carols and new modern favorites – and in honor of Casey Casum I looked up the Itunes charts to see what the top five Christmas songs are as of Friday December 21st (Two days ago). Any guesses?

· 5. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee (released in 1958)

· 4. Last Christmas – Wham (released in 1984)

· 3. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson (released in 2013)

· 2. Mary, Did You Know – Pentatonix (Released in 2014 – she did know by the way!)

· 1. All I want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey (Released in 1994)

Are you pleasantly surprised? Disappointed? The only song I don’t know is Kelly Clarkson’s – I’ll have to give it a listen. Music is powerful – it causes you to tap your foot or even dance – a song can make you cry and stir your soul. Christmas music is a special part of the Christmas season.

Need

Every Christmas song has a specific message. Sometimes the most important message can be missed in life. It reminds me of the story of the Wright Brothers first on an airplane.

· Wright Brothers – editor missed the most important message!

Even in the midst of all of our decorations, traditions, and carols we can miss the most important message of all—look around, the tree is lit, the music is festive, the season is bright—and in the midst of all we do during this season will we miss God’s good news and the reason for the season? We need to be reminded of the Christmas message. And that’s what our ADVENT series this month has been about – being reminded of God’s message of salvation through Jesus by looking at the “The Songs of Christmas” found in Luke’s gospel.

Preview

We’ve considered Mary’s Song (The Magnificat), Zechariah’s Song (The Benedictus), and Simeon’s Song (Nunc Dimmitus). Today we consider “The Angel’s Song” (Gloria in Excelsis). Take your Bibles and turn to Luke Chapter 2. Today we conclude our December “ADVENT” series with “The Angel’s Song” in - it’s short but sweet – but it will reveal heaven’s response to Jesus’ birth, remind us of the message of Christmas, and invite us to respond as well.

THE ANGEL’S SONG

In Luke Chapter 2 we find the story of Christmas. It’s a familiar story for most of us. The story begins with Joseph and Mary’s journey from their home town in Nazareth to a town called Bethlehem—an approximately 68 mile trek—and this wasn’t an easy journey for a pregnant teenager. We’ve learned in our ADVENT series that Mary had been chosen by God to give birth to the promised Messiah, the greater Davidic King and Suffering Servant of God, who would deliver His people. While they were in Bethlehem, Mary goes into labor. This is no accident for the prophet Micah had said that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem—“But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me, one who is to rule in Israel.” (). It was busy time in the Bethlehem with people coming from other regions to register for the census so there were no rooms at the inn. Therefore when it came time for Mary to give birth they had to take shelter in a “guest room” of someone’s home or in a shelter near an “inn.” The “shelters” had a lower level with an open space where people and animals were housed together. When Jesus was born in this humble shelter he was placed in a manger which was nothing more than a feed trough filled with hay. After Jesus birth an angel appeared to shepherds tending their flocks outside of Bethlehem—the angel gave the heavenly birth announcement—" Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (2:10-12)—the heavenly messenger heralded that the promised Savior had finally arrived and this was good goods for all people. In that moment God’s covenant promises spoken through the prophets were fulfilled as God’s anointed Messiah entered the world. In that humble setting, God became flesh, in order to save sinful humanity from the power of sin and death. And what happened next brings us to our final “song” in our ADVENT series.

· Read

What an amazing encounter! Imagine for a moment if you were one of those shepherds that night – blinded by the glorious light from heaven – to be one of the first ones told about this amazing event and to see a multitude of angels praising God with your very eyes. This part of the Christmas story reminds us of the existence of angelic beings, there are things that exist in God’s creation that we don’t always see, and there are celestial beings and cosmic powers that exist in the heavenly realm (places). Jesus’ birth was not ignored by the angels. Let’s take a closer look at “The Angel’s Song” and the implications for our lives today.

A) The Angel’s Appearance (2:13a)

We begin with “The Angel’s Appearance” (2:13a) – “The Angel’s Appearance.” After the first angel appeared to announce the birth of a “Savior, Christ, the Lord” – as if one angel appearing to the shepherd’s wasn’t cause for great fear – “suddenly” a whole bunch of angels appeared to the shepherds that night. Immediately after the birth announcement “a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel (2:13a)—heaven could not sit back idle or be silent after Jesus’ birth on earth. We can’t miss the size of this angelic assembly. The phrase “a great company (magnitude) of heavenly host” can be translated as “many, many angels” or “rows and rows of angels” but even better as “a vast army of angels.” The word “host” (stratia) refers to a large rank of angels, a massive heavenly army. The army of angels (band of heavenly soldiers) are likened to God’s royal entourage. The army of angels were “praising God”—literally speaking of God’s excellence—this massive host of angels were declaring “God is wonderful!” The text doesn’t say with certainty that the angels were “singing” (like we sing songs of praise) but they definitely lifted their voices in praise! The army of angels were not there to fight but to praise God for the arrival of Jesus, the Savior. Therefore over the years the angel’s have been depicted as a heavenly choir! We clearly see heaven’s response to Jesus’ birth. Praise is the right response to Jesus’ arrival, praise in heaven and praise on earth, and praise from heavenly beings and from human beings.

B) The Angel’s Adoration (2:13b-14)

The “Angel’s Arrival” is followed by “The Angel’s Adoration.” The Angel’s arrived to “praise” God and Luke also reveals (records) two specific declarations of praise (what they said) spoken by the massive army of angels.

1) Glory to God (2:14a)

First, the army of angels proclaimed “Glory to God.” “Glory to God.” The multitude of angels said “Glory to God in the highest” (2:14a)—this phrase appears in one of the most familiar and popular Christmas carols, does anyone know the song? Yes! - “Angel’s We have Heard on High.”

· Angels We Have Heard on High – Should we sing it? The chorus of the carol is in Latin--the chorus we sing “Gloria, in exelsis deo” which means Glory to God in the highest.’ The writer of the carol ripped that chorus right out of the pages of Luke’s gospel but just put it in Latin.

In my mind this declaration of glory to God was really loud. The sheer number of angels present and proclaiming “Glory to God” had to be loud. The army of angels were literally declaring God’s majesty and giving Him praise—this massive choir of angels were honoring God as the One who resides on high (heaven). The phrase “in the highest” refers to “the highest place” or in the heavenly realm as opposed to “in the “highest measure” (greatest amount). The angel’s gave “honor” to God who resides in heaven. Some suggest Jesus’ birth was the manifestation of God’s glory on earth. In this sense the angel’s declaration highlights that “the glory of God” was being manifested (revealed) on earth in the coming of Jesus.

2) Peace to Men (2:14b)

Secondly, the army of angels proclaimed “Peace on Earth”—"and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (2:14b)—the angel’s praise included ascribing glory to God and celebrated that Jesus’ birth would bring peace on earth to men. The word “men” is not limited peace to the male gender—it’s declaring peace has come to humanity—male and females alike can enjoy this peace. The phrase is translated differently in our various English bibles. The meaning of his angelic declaration has been debated by many scholars.

· KJV/NKJV - “And on earth peace, Good will toward men”

· NASB - “on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”

· NRSV “on earth peace among those whom he favors”

· ESV – and on earth, peace among those with whom He is pleased”

· NET – on earth peace among people on whom He is pleased”

The KJV translation suggests God’s peace and good will as coming to all humanity through Jesus’ birth and yet the other translations suggest this offer of peace would be limited in its scope to those with whom God is pleased. The Greek text says “and on earth, peace among men (anthropos) that please someone (God).” The angel’s declared “peace on earth”—the coming of Jesus was the coming of peace”—for the child born that day was the promised Messiah who would be the “Prince of peace” (). We might ask where is this peace on earth? History is filled with the horrors of war past and present. We might ask where is this peace on earth? Each of us have relationships that are marred by (filled with) strife & division. We might ask where is this peace on earth? Our own souls can be filled with unrest. We need peace!

· Prince of Peace (Supertones) Now the world doesn't work cause we've broken it

And we need dope or Prozac just to cope with it Hitler's still alive in the knives of abortionists And the news twist the truth like contortionists And they wonder what happened to humanity You say peace but were headed for calamity I hope the Prince of peace is coming soon I hope the Prince of peace is coming soon We'll learn to make a plowshare from a gun Cause we won't need them when the kingdom comes We long for the day when we will see the heavens and the earth as they should be

Jesus was the One born to bring peace then, now, and in the future. Jesus’ arrival is celebrated as the arrival of “peace on earth”—the word “peace” is a synonym for salvation in Luke’s gospel—thus Jesus’ birth was the arrival of God’s salvation would enable sinful humanity to have “peace with God” and “peace with one another.” The term “peace” speaks of more than just the “cessation of strife but of the full blessing associated with the coming the Messiah ( & ) The “peace” available now through faith in Him is “peace with God” – for sin made us enemies of God but through His death and resurrection our sins can be forgiven and we can be restored to God – the enmity and strive between us and God end we can experience reconciliation with God and one another.

· ~ Before the gospel “the way of peace was not known” for the unrighteous

· - Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 5:2 through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. [1]

· - But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2:14 For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility, 2:15 when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, 2:16 and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed. 2:17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, 2:18 so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father[2]

· - For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. [3]

1:20 and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven. [3]

The “peace” that is yet to come will be complete wholeness, restoration, healing, and the end of strife when Jesus returns to consummate His kingdom reign and usher in eternal peace on a fully restored earth. We long for and look for the day when the Prince of Peace will return, and in that age the prophets declare “the lion will lie down with the lamb” (Isaiah). We taste of the peace now that will be fully enjoyed when Jesus comes again.

Secondly, the angel’s song declared who can experience this peace through Jesus! The angel’s declared this “peace” will “to men on whom his favor rests” (NIV). The phrase implies this “peace” will be experienced by those who are “favored” by God or with whom God is pleased, therefore this was not a declaration of universal salvation (peace) but for those who are the objects/recipients of God’s grace. Not everyone will be the recipients of His favor, thus they will not experience this peace, for we learned from Simeon’s song that this child “is appointed for the fall and the rising of many in Israel and a sign to be opposed” (). The NT reveals that Jesus would grow up to become the “chief cornerstone” who will cause many to stumble (). There will be some who never put their faith in Jesus, not included in those among men upon whom His favor rests, and they will die in their sin separated from God for all eternity without peace. The angel’s declared that “peace” will come to those saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. Everyone who comes to faith in Jesus are the object & recipient of His saving grace and as a result they will enjoy “peace with God” for eternity. Everyone who will believe in Jesus, the Savior of the world, is one upon whom His favor rests and experiences peace with God and the peace of God. On the day of Jesus’ birth heaven could not be silent – Luke’s gospel highlights the angel’s appearance and adoration – and their “song” (even though they probably didn’t sing) was a song proclaiming “Glory to God” and “Peace on Earth.”

A SONG FITTING FOR THE SEASON

Every year the Christmas season is filled with great music – we sing the songs of the season – and this month the ancient songs of Christmas found in Luke’s gospel has been the focus of our attention and celebration. Today it’s fitting that we wrap up our ADVENT series with “The Angel’s Song.” The song is fitting because it was spoken by an army of angels immediately after Jesus’ birth – one could argue this is the very first Christmas carol – and the song reveals that heaven was not silent when Jesus was born that day in Bethlehem. Secondly, this “The Angel’s Song” fits the Christmas season. Christmas is a season of “giving and receiving.” Over the next two days you’re going to be giving and receiving gifts – there will be a mad dash to the Christmas tree, wrapping paper and bows flying everywhere (unless you have an orderly family system – anyone?), and rooms filled with laughter & love, giddiness & gratitude, happiness & hugs. (Unilad Video – boy gets a banana) In this season of “giving and receiving” of gifts the angel’s song compels us to consider the opportunity of “giving” and receiving.”

1) Give Glory to God

First, the angel’s song invites us to join heaven and “Give Glory to God.” “Give Glory to God.” Heaven could not keep silent. Jesus’ birth compelling them to lift their voices in praise. The angel’s gave glory to God for sending sinful humanity a Savior. You know what I find amazing about this army of angels adoration? The angels didn’t glorify God for what He did for them but what he did for us. At first glance it doesn’t seem like such a big deal, in the Scripture it appears that’s what angels do, give glory and praise to God for who He is and what he does. And yet, the Scriptures also reveal that the angel’s are interested in God’s salvation of humanity. Take your Bible and turn to . .

· Read

The prophets wrote about the salvation that would eventually come to us through Jesus and celestial beings “stoop down to look into the things of salvation” – they have a desire to know more and they spend effort to learn the truth about God’s salvation of us – so it’s no wonder they give Him glory for what He did for us by sending Jesus to save us from sin and death. The angel’s song is an invitation to join in heaven’s response and “Give Glory to God” for sending you a Savior!

It’s easy to get stressed out, franticly rushing around to get everything done, and in the process forgetting to “Give God glory.” It’s easy in the hustle and bustle of the season to make everything else a priority. We can easily become distracted by good things this season – baking, decorating, shopping, wrapping, partying, traveling, family gatherings, and giving & receiving gifts – in the midst of all of those activities the angel’s song invites us to “Give God Glory.” Don’t lose sight of honoring Him and praising Him for sending you a Savior!

· Christmas cards/letters – give Him glory for sending the Savior.

· Family gatherings – Reading the Christmas story, singing carols, and thanking Him.

Like the army of angel’s – Let’s “Give Glory to God” for sending us a Savior - this Christmas every Christmas, and every day. If heaven won’t be silent, nor can we! Let’s never stop singing His praise for sending us a Savior. Let’s never stop saying how great He is, how good He is, how faithful He is, how kind He is, how gracious he is, how merciful He is, and how loving He is. Give glory to God for sending Jesus to save you – you didn’t deserve it, you could never earn it – it’s a gift given to you. Join in this heavenly army of adoration - Never cease to “Give God glory.”

2) Receive Peace from God

In the season of “giving and receiving” the angel’s song invites us to “Give Glory to God” and to “Receive Peace from God.” “Receive Peace from God. The angel’s song reveals that God offers us the gift of peace – Jesus was born to die for us so that we can have peace with God – everyone who puts their faith in Him is the recipient of His grace and can enjoy peace.

· Do you know the Prince of Peace?

· Have you put your faith in Jesus as your Savior?

Jesus is the Savior who offers the gift of peace. You can have “peace with God” – being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus – and enjoying the “wholeness” of being rightly related to your Creator. Perhaps this Christmas will be your season to “Receive” his gift of peace through Jesus? Turn from anything you’re trusting in and trust in Jesus as your Savior to know the Price of Peace and enjoy peace with God and the peace of God.

Many of us in this room have “Received” the gift of God’s peace through faith in Jesus. As people united to Jesus, we enjoy the peace of God that floods our hearts as we live in a world of pain, strife, and uncertainty. One thing is certain, the Prince of Peace born that day is coming again to restore all things and usher His eternal reign of ever lasting peace – the wars between nations will end – and the wars that rage in our hearts will end. Paul encouraged the Romans that this day would come “The God of Peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet” (). I hope the Prince of Peace is coming soon. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Until that day, as followers of Jesus we enjoy peace with God and the peace of God, and we’re called to be people of peace.

· – Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God”

· - “Live in peace with everyone” ()

· – “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,[4]

· – “The fruit of the Holy Spirit is “peace.”

God has given us the gift of peace with Him, peace with one another, and the peace of God that floods our hearts. As recipients of God’s peace, be “peacemakers” and pursuers of peace until the Prince of Peace returns and we enjoy the end of all strife and live under His eternal reign of everlasting peace!

CONCLUSION

Refresh

I grew up listening to “Casey Casum’s Top 40 Countdown – I wanted to know which song was number one – as of Friday the most popular Christmas song for 2018 was “All I want for Christmas is You” (Mariah Carey). Today we’ve have listened to a greater song – The Angel’ Song” – the song that was a part of the Christmas story and reminds us of the Christmas message.

Renew

Most of us have heard the Christmas story dozens and dozens of times – hearing it year after year it can become routine and we can take this celebration for granted - I hope we’ll never get over the mystery, humility, and majesty of Jesus’ birth. The Songs of Christmas remind us of the profound significance of God’s saving work in Jesus. The Song of the Angel’s is a fitting song to end this series – in a season of “giving and receiving” the Angel’s appearance and adoration invite us into the participate in the act of giving and receiving.

Restate

1) Give Glory to God – join in the angel’s response and live a life of giving glory to God for sending you a Savior – Jesus.

2) Receive Peace from God – every heart that puts their trust in Jesus is the recipient of His grace, enjoying peace with God and the peace of God – and being transformed to become “people of peace” until the Prince of Peace returns to restore all things and end all strife.

Let’s pray!

[1] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), .

[2] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), .

[3] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition; Bible. English. NET Bible.; The NET Bible (Biblical Studies Press, 2005), .

[4] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), .

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