A holy hush filled the skies. Reverence too high and deep for words. The heavenly realms held a collective breath.
The night had come.
Humanity failed to notice, too caught up in their busyness. And, the angels wondered, not for the first time, at the dullness of those made in the image of God.
Creation, though, creation had been waiting, groaning, longing for the Redeemer. The One who spoke them into being and sustained them had been mute for nine months. His voice limited to the dark walls of his amniotic sac.
His silence had been unbearable. The heavenly ones missed His joy and His intimacy with the Father. They missed serving Him and worshipping Him.
But tonight was different. The Holy Son was about to be born. The very Word of God made flesh. The angels couldn’t wait to see Him again. And now His people would too! He’d be Immanuel, God come near.
The moment had come.
His majestic voice pierced the night as an infant’s cry and the heavens waited.
Nothing.
Where were the trumpets? The heralds? Who would announce the birth of the Prince of Peace? Didn’t Bethlehem know who had been born? Confused, they turned to Yahweh.
He dispatched an angel to the shepherds, and a whole host followed, anxious to see their reaction. They hung back as the heavenly messenger declared, ‘Don’t be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born to you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’
Collectively the host thrummed. Hope rippled. Joy swelled. Worship escalated. They could not contain themselves. Suddenly, the angels burst through the night veil, and with unified breath and practiced perfection, they proclaimed:
GLORY TO GOD!
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN!
AND ON EARTH, PEACE TO THOSE ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS!
Their Ancient of Days, the most Desired of Nations was here! The King of all Kings, the Lord of all Lords! Their uncontained worship electrified the sky.
GLORY TO GOD!
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST HEAVEN!
AND ON EARTH, PEACE TO THOSE ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS!
And, I think the Father was pleased.