"The Heavens Exploded"

(Please read Luke 2:8-14)

Too long ... it had been too long since the words of the prophets had been heard. It seemed too long since they had heard promises of a Messiah. Could anyone remember the last time word spread of angel visitants or God speaking to one of their own? The town of Bethlehem was filled not only with those who still longed for and looked for the promised Messiah but also with those whose hope had dwindled. Those who continued to look to the heavens and those who lowered their heads in weariness and near hopelessness both cried out, "How long, O God? How long must we wait?" The wait continued in their darkness. Their hope, no matter how great or small, peered through this darkness for the Promised Light. With a gulp of first-breath and the piercing of the night air with infant wails, God said, "The wait is over."

Just as with Mary, God sent greetings - one angel initially sent to the shepherds. God knew that what was about to happen would have "scared the shepherds to death" if they had not first heard "do not be afraid." For you see, God was about to part the heavens for a glimpse of God’s glory in a way that had never been witnessed. The heavens exploded and suddenly a great company of the heavenly host poured out in unbridled song. The angels knew “who” was in the manger. They knew that Jesus, the God Almighty Incarnate, had come from his throne in heaven to the wandering people below for the salvation of mankind. They knew that this was the Lord's plan from the beginning and God has now said, "It is time." How could they keep from singing?

Yes, the heavens exploded with all honor and praise and majesty given to God Almighty. The heavens exploded with the highest of glory to God sung by the angel choirs. The heavens exploded because the angels knew that this newborn was the promised Savior - the fulfillment of the ages. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. They knew and they flooded the night sky with their joy and song. They sang the highest praises that they had ever sung because God's power and love, faithfulness and mercy and justice all reached God’s highest expression with the birth of an infant in a stable. They could do nothing other than sing in full voice and glorify God in the highest ways possible for they knew that this baby, the Infant Jesus, is the promised One … the looked-for, the long-for, and the prayed-for Messiah.

The heavens exploded that night - the glory of the Lord burst through in revelation and the Light of Jesus Christ pierced our own darkness forever. God comes into our world with God’s plan of salvation. Emmanuel. God-with-us. The angels could not contain themselves. Oh my, we should be no different! How can we keep from singing? How can we keep from glorifying God? How can we not live with a song on our hearts and words to share on our lips?

SING WITH EXULTATION!

anna