Glory in the Highest!

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’  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 among those with whom he is pleased!'” Luke 2:8-14

Their message came to the ordinary, the humble, the worker. No preferential treatment is ever a motive with the truth about Jesus. Encircled by the glory of the Lord first one came with peace. Fear not, behold! Christ is born and it is a great joy! Then many joined in greater splendor announcing greater, deeper peace. This Lord is bringing peace on earth to all who welcome Him. The angels understood the magnitude of their announcement to these shepherds and the world and broke forth with heavenly praise. (Luke 1:79)

Each creature went about his task as do we. Ordinary days and nights and moments and shifts are made extraordinary when the Lord’s truth is proclaimed and His glory enters in. Perhaps it is an anticipated epiphany, maybe a prompting of the Spirit. We may be arrested by hard news, interrupted by something fear-inducing, or visited with a particular comfort or insight. The Lord appears in various ways to His children as we work and serve, and always with His visit He is exalted. Are we aware? Would I lift my sights to behold His glory in the highest above and beyond?

Do I expect His presence in my commonplace activities? Do I mentally separate out the sacred from the mundane, reserving wonder and worship for a sanctuary rather than carrying it into habitual job and service? How might I better recognize God’s glory in what He calls me to do daily? Where do I see His hand at work, the proof of His promises? Will I listen for His voice, look for His signs, take hold of His peace?

And what about when He sends me on a specific heavenly errand? Am I bold to speak His truth and magnify the glory of His gifts and grace? Do my words bring the peace He affords, make clear the hope He gives His children, and inspire worship?

“Angels from the realms of glory, 
wing your flight o’er all the earth; 
ye who sang creation’s story 
now proclaim Messiah’s birth: 
Come and worship, come and worship, 
worship Christ, the newborn king.

Shepherds, in the field abiding, 
watching o’er your flocks by night, 
God with us is now residing; 
yonder shines the infant light:
Come and worship, come and worship, 
worship Christ, the newborn king.” ~James Montgomery (1816)

Lord, fix my heart, words, and sights to glorify You in the highest.