Dec 10 - Gloria in Excelsis

Gloria in Excelsis

Saturday, December 10, 2022

by Mary Lou Kingensmith

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Key Verse: Luke 2:10-14  (New King James Version)

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”

The Christmas story, as written in the Gospel according to Luke, has been the cornerstone of our Christmas celebration for as long as I can remember.  Luke’s sharing of Christ’s birth draws us back to faith and joy even through the hustle and bustle – and fun – of holiday preparations and Christmas traditions.  

One of my traditions, as a young child growing up in the 1960s, was watching Charles Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, which was released in 1965.  Even at a time when the world moved much more slowly than today, the chaos and Charlie Brown’s stress directing the Christmas play, culminating in his question, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about,” was something to which even a child could relate.  And to this day, I get goosebumps when Linus (holding his blanket) answers, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,” and recites Luke 2:8-14.  In the show, Linus’ recitation brings all of the children to a place of quiet joy, reflection, and goodwill.  The reaction wasn’t due to Linus’ skill as an orator but to the power and meaning of those simple words and the hope they convey.

How understanding and kind are the angel’s first words, “Do not be afraid.”  We humans tend to react to the unknown with fear, and the shepherds most likely would have as well.  Moreover, they would have been taken completely by surprise when such significant tidings were shared with them rather than with more “important” people.  Sharing the news with these humble shepherds, however, is consistent with God’s word throughout both the Old and New Testaments.  It is simplicity and humility that allow you to come closer to God, not worldly wealth and influence.

The angel’s words also signified both the keeping of a promise and a fundamental change.  God kept his promise; the Savior’s birth fulfilled God’s long-standing commitment to his people that he would bring forth a king of David’s lineage.  

The change was two-fold.  First, the message reflected what Walter Brueggemann describes in Celebrating Abundance as “a fresh decision from God himself about the new shape of the world” (p. 55).  The new king “does not come as victory but as helpless child. He does not come in pride but in a way almost unnoticed by the world.  But he is king.” (Brueggemann, Celebrating Abundance, p. 55).   This would be a king of peace!  Second, this message was for all people, not just for the people of Israel.  This is a saviour for all mankind.

The closing image of a multitude of the heavenly host joining the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” evokes an exuberance and a deep rejoicing that cannot be contained and must be shared!

It is very easy to identify with Charlie Brown… his honest desire to do the right thing so often undermined by challenges, insecurities, uncertainties (and Lucy).  Then again, we can also choose to be Linus!  Share the good news, let the wonder that the Christmas story brings radiate from you and bring joy to others.  

Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Glory in the highest to God)

Lord, we offer our humble gratitude that you know and love us so completely.  You understand our tendency to fear and, if we listen, tell us not to be afraid but to rejoice.  As we sing your praises – Glory in the highest to God! – please help our love for you and joy in you be reflected in our faces and our actions.  Make us a blessing to others.  Amen.