“Hark the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn 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 newborn king!’”
The night was dark. The flocks were bedded down for the night. The shepherds gathered around the small fire and talked softly. They were tired from the long, hard work of the day, yet they remained vigilant at night. It was in the dark of the night that predators prowled. They were always on duty, ever watchful, ever alert for even the softest sound of danger.
Suddenly, the sky was on fire with a brilliant light and an unearthly being appeared before them. Light shown all around them. They were used to danger, but this strange sight frightened them. Then a voice boomed across the sky bringing comfort. “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manager.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel and began praising God. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” [Luke2:8-20]
The most glorious announcement of all time first came not to kings or the prominent but to shepherds alone in the night keeping watch over their flocks. And this king, born that night in Bethlehem and attested to by heavenly hosts would one day announce, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” And in the giving of that life, God and sinners would be reconciled.
There would be no more war between men and God, no longer a great gulf created by sin and death. This shepherd would usher in an everlasting Peace for those who come to God in faith.
“Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled . . . Hark, the herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn king!’”
