Wonder Of Advent #31

The Anticipation of the Ages

Read: Luke 2:8-20

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

Luke 2:13-14

IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOME CHOIR. The hosts of heaven are vast in number, brilliant in radiance, and—we can assume—resounding in voice. For thousands of years, they had watched the earthly drama unfold. They had seen Creation and the Fall and perhaps wondered why God did not destroy what he had created. They must have marveled at the ups and downs of human history, the intricate workings of God’s purposes, and the staggering patience he demonstrated as the plan played out. They had heard the prophecies—from the promise that the offspring would crush the serpent (Genesis 3:15) to the Incarnation (Isaiah 9:6-7) to the atoning sacrifice (Isaiah 53) to the end of the age and the creation of the new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17-25) to everything in between. They could not have known how it all fit together, but they had watched the omniscient one at work. They must have longed for this day—and this chance to burst into a song that humans could hear.

In fact, Scripture tells us that angels really do long to look into the mysteries of God’s plans for humanity (1 Peter 1:10-12). They were captivated by the drama, and they still are. Angels surely look into the past and celebrate the Advent, just as they look into the future and celebrate what is to come (Revelation 4–5). They are ministers and messengers who fight for and care for God’s people (Hebrews 1:14) and have been key players in this unfolding drama. They have a stake in what happens. And they know there is more to do. But on this night, they simply praised God with full voices and beaming faces. The centerpiece of the drama, the climactic event, had been made visible.

Much of our life of faith is preoccupied with what to do and how to do it. But today and tonight, just rejoice. Enter into the anticipation of the ages for the marvels of God’s unfolding plan. Let this story leap off the pages of Scripture and into your heart again. Savor the moment when God became one of us.

Prayer

Oh, my God, how we have longed for redemption, for meaning, for you to make things right. Bless you for the wonders of your works—for the Child of Promise, the Man of Sorrows, and the King of Glory. On this day, I lay down my questions and give you praise. Amen.

REFLECTION

What sense of excitement would you feel, as a heavenly observer, to see a plan set in motion thousands of years earlier finally come to pass?

Further reading: 1 Peter 1:8-12

With the angels let us sing

Alleluia to our King.

“SILENT NIGHT,” JOSEPH MOHR