Friday mornings can be frenzied for a ministry assistant. Often, I’m scrambling to get last minute info for the announcement section of the church bulletin. It can be a challenge because my sources are usually involved in their own Friday morning rituals.
Communication is key.
Sometimes the success of an event hinges on how well it has been announced.
Let’s focus on what may well be the most exciting announcement ever given, news that One has come to set men free from the bondage of sin.
This announcement was given to an unlikely group in a most unusual way: to shepherds, and it was displayed in the night sky!
It’s interesting because at the time of the birth of Christ, shepherds weren’t often on the need-to-know list.
They were considered the bottom rung on the ladder of importance.
Recently, I’ve discovered the shepherds in Bethlehem were probably tenders of the flocks of sacrificial lambs; which is why the directive of looking for the Lamb of the World in a feeding trough wrapped in strips of cloth totally made sense to the shepherds. They were using to seeing baby lambs in that environment.
An army of angels show up.
As I was reading the passage of scripture telling about the heavenly choir appearing to those tending sheep on that one-of-a-kind night. I started thinking about the angels. Had they been practicing for millenia for this special event? Was this spontaneous or did someone compose and arrange the music? How long did it last?
(My 5 minutes are up; but of course I have more to say)
Was the whole thing recorded in audio? (Am I the only one that believes Heaven has better technology than we could dream; and it even existed before the world began? After all, if we are to give account for every idle word, there must be a way to preserve it …. )
Even if we don’t get to hear the melody, the Scriptures record the main message:
“That night, in a field near Bethlehem, shepherds were watching over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!”
Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing:
“Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!
For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” Luke 2:8-14 TPT
What does this mean in the here and now?
A rescuer has come. There could be no greater announcement. Go and tell.
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This post was written in response to the Five Minute Friday prompt, “announce.” In interest of full disclosure, I wrote for 5 minutes on the prompt, then took more time to flesh out my last point, look up scriptures and add photos and headings.
I’m sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday and Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, InstaEncouragments Link-Up, Let’s Have Coffee, Tune In Thursday
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All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
I loved this: Was the whole thing recorded in audio? (Am I the only one that believes Heaven has better technology than we could dream; and it even existed before the world began? After all, if we are to give account for every idle word, there must be a way to preserve it …. )
Never thought of that before. Great post!
Thank you, Janis! Someday, we’ll know if it was recorded or not.
What a gift we have received! And I am so grateful to God for sending our Rescuer. He truly is and I wish I had found Him sooner, but I have my Resucer, no matter how late I “saw!”
Linda, the main, glorious, thing is – you saw, and acted upon it!
Jerralea, I loved your thoughts on these “characters” in the Christmas drama. The shepherds have always fascinated me. And the angels . . . how amazing would it have been to be part of that choir, and to be the ones who first heard their songs? I’d never wondered how long they practiced before their one-time performance. 🙂 I’m so thankful for the announcements that declared the greatest Gift humankind could ever receive.
I have loved the times I’ve been able to be a part of a choir; but being part of that heavenly choir must have been the most supreme experience. I wonder if the angels are still talking about it?
Thanks for adding to the conversation, Jeanne. Merry Christmas!
I’m captivated by your speculation that Heaven has divine technology – won’t it be great when we get to heaven, if we could hear the angelic announcement and soundtrack?! I hope so!
FMF#25
Kym, so do I! In fact, I’m hoping to see all the bible stories and events. I mean, we have all eternity to watch!
Jerri, that is the best announcement forever and always. Warm thoughts for a joyful Christmas surrounded by those you love.
Paula, I agree. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas season and that you are fired up for your writing life in 2022.
Love this post, and reading your thoughts and questions. Smiled at your wondering if they have audio in Heaven.
Thank you, Sandra. I can’t help but wonder about recordings … inquiring minds want to know!
I am so grateful the angels came to the shepherds, common and humble. It gives me such assurance God speaks to us too as we bow low and listen intently. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
I love how God planned everything so everyone can relate! Have the merriest of Christmases and may your new year be bright, Joanne!