The Angels’ Song: The Gloria

In last Sunday’s sermon text, Zechariah proclaimed how God is always working redemption for His people. This Sunday we see the fulfillment of that prophecy through yet another angel proclamation. A whole host of angels appear to the shepherds calling them to come and worship the Shepherd of their souls who will satisfy them with every good thing. God has visited and redeemed His people. The desire of every nation has arrived. Because of an infant’s arrival, there is peace on earth. Because a baby was “pleased as man with men to dwell,” men can now obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing flee away. Because the Light of life laid aside His glory, men join their voices with the angels to sing, “Glory to God in the highest.” Throughout the Old Testament the Israelites continually asked, “How long?” The anticipation of the Messiah was long for them. This morning we sing “Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb.” The time seemed late to the Israelites, and as we await Christ’s second coming, it may seem long to us. But even as we bend before the altar, “watching long in hope and fear,” we can trust that “suddenly the Lord descending in His temple shall appear.” Because the Son of God became man, we can truly join our voices with the angels the archangels and the whole company of heaven singing, “Gloria in excelsis Deo!” —Emma Marsh