Evening’s Glory ~ by ems 12/3/21
7th Day of Advent
Week 1: Hope (or promise) ~ Light 1 purple candle
Advent Hymn: 🎼 Angels We Have Heard On High🎶
A traditional French carol from the 18th century with the distinct refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo with verses that express the shepherds’ awe-inspiring visit from angels while they watched their flocks near Bethlehem. The lyrics are loosely based on the account in found in Luke 2:8-20.
Verse 1
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Verse 2
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be?
Which inspire your heavenly songs?
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Verse 3
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
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“8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ~ Luke 2:8-15
The evening is a time of reflection to count our blessings and to recall God’s faithfulness throughout the day. It is also a time when we can look up, count the stars, and remember how great God is and how small are our fears. A very special night for some shepherds occurred 2,000 years ago when they were greatly astonished and blessed. Yet they didn’t keep the wonderous news they received to themselves, but joyously shared the details of their encounter with God’s indescribable gift!
Evening’s Glory
The close of the day when the greater light, the sun, dissipates and the lesser light, the stars, become visible is a time for winding down. Time to cease our labours, recount the events of the day and lay aside our cares to hopefully be refreshed by restful sleep during the night.
The life of shepherds is a 24-7 job. Caring, protecting, and providing for a flock that can be so easily startled and scattered in a moment. As they look heavenward in the evening to behold the majesty of the stars, the shepherds outside of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago beheld more than just luminaries in the dark skies. An angel of the Lord heralded an amazing announcement that was not only personal (“I bring you good news”) but full of joy and peace and something to be shared by these lowly, earthy shepherds for all people!
I don’t know about you, but when I become aware of some good news, I can’t wait to spread the joy. And that is exactly what the shepherds did.
Luke says,
17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
So, shepherds who heard God’s messengers became messengers themselves. The news about this Saviour through whom peace with God was possible was too wonderful to keep to themselves.
We may be tempted to share bad news, or even broadcast someone else’s misfortune, but how enthusiastic are we about giving the gospel’s good news to others who have yet to hear about Jesus?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the detailed and accurate accounts in the Bible that tell us of the glorious arrival of Your Son on earth. May I quickly spread this excellent news to all people with those you have entrusted to me. Thank You that this evening’s glory can light our lives for all eternity!
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Learn more about Jesus here:
https://www.angel.com/watch/the-chosen
https://www.navigators.org/resources/
Gleanings From Heaven's Gate 