LUKE 2:13-14

Think back to a time when you were swept away by the emotion of music. Maybe it was the “Star Spangled Banner” or “America the Beautiful” being performed shortly after 9/11. Maybe it was the theme from Dr. Zhivago, or Julie Andrews bringing the hills alive on the big screen with “The Sound of Music”, or “Jumpin' Jack Flash” from your first row seat at a Rolling Stones Concert in the 1970s. Pretty good stuff, right?

Now imagine the heavens opening up to singing angels, for example, the night Christ was born. As the saying goes, that's what I'm talkin' about!

It's pretty easy to do, really. The toughest part might be finding a place where you can look into the heavens unobstructed by city light. Anyway, look up into the night sky without searching for the big dipper or the planets on the horizon. Without turning your senses toward something familiar, just let the vastness of the universe sink in a little bit.

Now think about Mary, the Mother of God, holding Jesus up in her arms while all who are present marvel. It stops you right in your tracks, doesn’t it? The whole universe is watching, and rejoicing. This is one of the most important moments in eternity--It is, it was, and it always will be. And the heavens are ringing with joy.

No Rogers and Hammerstein, no Jagger and Richards, John Williams, or Ludwig Van Beethoven can stand up to this moment.

The sound of the heavenly hosts singing alleluia is like nothing you have ever heard before. It permeates your being, lifting you up to a moment of inexplicable fulfillment. This sound is heaven itself, an incredible reality, the vastness of eternity, a promise true enough to keep you singing for a lifetime, "Be Not Afraid."

Now, while you're treading through your visit here on earth, go get your Holy Communion each Sunday. Stand in line in the New Jerusalem with a contrite heart, and take the body and blood of Christ along with your brothers and sisters. Sing praises to his name--that's why we are here. Join in the unending hymn of praise. As it turns out, we don't have to wait for a clear night.

"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, good will toward men."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!