SONGS AT CHRISTMAS

I’m sure the angels were not the only ones to praise God at that first Christmas. The heavenly sound ‘Glory to God in the Highest’ must have been accompanied by other heart-songs.

One couldn’t imagine the angels having melodious voices. Perhaps they were rather raucous with calling sheep. Yet I fancy that when they saw the baby Jesus, after hurrying all the way, they could have sung, ‘O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together’. Surely their hearts were ringing with an out-of-this-world joy.

And dear Mary. Her song of praise would quietly come forth in similar words we are later to hear from rugged Peter. ‘I praise God, for casting all my care upon Him, He cared for me.’ Just how deep was her heart-song we can only guess from the bare, direct words of Luke, ‘And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.’

Joseph! As he thought of the anxious waiting time, the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the lack of room in the inn, and now the wonderful fulfilment of the conception by the Holy Spirit – could he echo in his heart the words of the psalmist – ‘This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’

Then later, the wise men, who had been diverted by a star – surely they saw the majestic hand of God in steering them away from the murderous hand of Herod. Their wisdom wouldn’t prevent them from singing. I wonder if their song of thanksgiving was couched in these words: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart……in all your ways acknowledge ( praise ) Him, and He shall direct your paths.’

I have a song of praise to carol to ‘Jesus, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.’

Have you such a song at Christmas?

Gwenda would love to hear from you hgsteward@cobweb.com.au