The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.  Your savior is born today in David’s city.  He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

I received a special gift through a friend this Christmas.  The gift was a meditation written by Howard Thurman, “The Singing of Angels”. It reads:

There must be always, remaining in every life, someplace for the singing of angels. Someplace for that which in itself is breathless and beautiful.           

Old burdens become lighter, deep and ancient wounds lose much of their old hurting. A crown is placed over us that for the rest of our lives we are trying to grow tall enough to wear.

Despite all the crassness of life, despite all the hardness of life, despite all the harsh discords of life, life is saved by the singing of angels.

On that first Christmas, shepherds heard news so incredible that it was worthy of an angel.  They received news so wonderful that it was worthy of a song.  And according to Luke’s gospel, life itself and all of creation with it was saved by the singing of angels.

“Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

May the joy of Jesus be yours this Christmas!

O God, we are grateful for your love made know to us in Jesus. Help us hear the announcement of your love and peace so clearly that we become instruments of our love and peace. Amen.