David Bahn – Reflections

Please pray these psalms with me today as we begin a New Year.

Psalm 1

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

I haven’t forgotten. It’s not only because there are still gifts to be delivered and given. It’s because Christmas is not over. The season leading up to December 24 is actually the Advent season of the Christian Church Year. Many people completely ignore it. We’re just not good at waiting. We want it now. So we turn the days after Thanksgiving (if we wait even that long) into a month-long Christmas obsession. Then on the 26th – if not before the end of Christmas Day, the decorations come down. They’ve already removed the wreath from our neighborhood entrance.

But Christmas actually lasts until Epiphany – the Christmas of the Gentiles – January 6. And although you might have wondered (if you’ve been reading this blog for the past few days) whether I’m finished with Christmas. I haven’t said much about it. But today I will. And it has everything to do with what it means to adhere to the warnings and promises of this psalm.

And Joseph. Mary’s betrothed. The earthly father of Jesus. Matthew tells us:

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

²³ “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). ²⁴ When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, ²⁵ but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. -Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph was a righteous man. But he didn’t posture in his righteousness. That was the expertise of the Pharisees. They harrumphed, and judged, and made sure to punish anyone who did not live up to their standards (which were conveniently lax toward their own pecadillos). Joseph in his righteousness did not take the counsel of such self-righteous persons as they. Joseph took the path of love – the truest measure of righteousness. He did not blame. He did not keep a record of wrongs. He bore Mary’s burden. He believed the angel’s message. He hoped to make a life with her. Check out 1 Corinthians 13 and think of how Joseph so graciously lived out that description of love.

Joseph also waited. He waited to know Mary as his wife until after the child was born. He waited to name the child until the proper time, and called him Jesus. He waited for God to reveal his plan before acting. And he was blessed. He provided for their safety when Herod’s threats impinged on the child Jesus. He brought his family to Egypt and then back to Nazareth to raise the boy Jesus. He took Jesus to the temple. He also knew who Jesus’ true father was. It was not Joseph.

And how did all this work out? Jesus grew into a young man who loved God and his neighbor perfectly. I can’t think of a better parenting success story than that.

We don’t know much about Joseph. But we can see the righteousness of his character in the little we do know. Obedience and patience are not often the counsel of the wicked, sinners, or scoffers. Thank God Joseph did not take their counsel, but obeyed God, believed the angel’s message, and waited for God to lead and provide for him: Truly blessed he was indeed.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Years ago I learned of an interesting way to think of theology. There is Einsteinian theology and Newtonian theology. I wrote about this last May. A simple explanation: Newtonian theology is the application of faith to our outward actions. We are good neighbors, faithful friends, pay our bills, respect those in authority, and behave in a decent and ethical manner. Those are all good ways of loving our neighbor. Anyone can do this. Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Christian alike. Only Christians truly love God, however, so there is a distinction between followers of Jesus and others, outwardly speaking.

Looking deeper – which is what God does, he looks at the heart – we have a more important righteousness. It is the righteousness of faith. This is the righteousness of (from) God of which Paul speaks in Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” This is Einsteinian theology. It goes to the core of things. It’s not a matter of mere outward observance. It’s a matter of the heart. 

All this is to say that Psalm 1 is speaking of the true righteousness of faith that is revealed in outward actions. And to some extent even those outside the Christian faith (Jewish faith in David’s day) may experience the benefits of outward godly living. That is the basis of decent and orderly society. We experience it every day here in the United States. It’s by no means perfect, but generally speaking people stop at red lights, drive on the right side of the road, and carry out orderly business transactions.

But that’s not the concern I want to emphasize here. I want us to realize that we who focus so much energy on inward righteousness of faith (truly essential) must not neglect acting on that faith. Or as John the Baptizer put it, if we have repented, we must bring forth the fruits of repentance.” (Matthew 3:8) We who believe in Jesus ought to live outwardly in keeping with his commands. After all, Jesus’ Great Commission includes not only the command to baptize, but to teach the nations all that he has commanded us. (cf. Matthew 28:20)

In another previous post I shared an imaginary conversation between Jesus and a good Lutheran:

Jesus: Love your neighbor.
Lutheran: O, Lord Jesus, forgive me. I have failed to love my neighbor as I should. I have hurt and harmed him. Forgive me!
Jesus: I know that. I forgive you. Now, love your neighbor.
Lutheran: Thank you Lord Jesus! And I will try to love my neighbor, but I know I won’t do it perfectly. Even my best efforts will fail to love him as I should.
Jesus: I know that. I forgive you. I will help you. Now, love your neighbor.
Lutheran: Lord Jesus, I will try to love my neighbor, but I don’t want to do it with false motives. I know I cannot please you or earn your favor by loving my neighbor, for I am a sinner.
Jesus: Yes. I know that. But you are also a saint. Now, love your neighbor.

The promises of this Psalm apply to any follower of Jesus who is willing to reject the influences of this world and love his or her neighbor. We won’t do it perfectly. But certainly we must do this – not to gain God’s favor, or even merely to get these promised blessings – because God has loved us so fully in Jesus, and by reflecting that love to others we honor him. That’s what I want to do, and I pray you do also, Dear Reader.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

There are two progressions in this psalm. Both are dangerous and evil. One has to do with the person’s way of life and the way he or she embraces evil influences. Walking, standing, and sitting: these represent a progression of greater and greater opportunities to be influenced for evil. The second progression is the people encountered in each of these postures. Wicked people, sinners, and scoffers: These are not mere poetic expressions of evil. They are increasingly dangerous manifestations of evil to be avoided by righteous people.

Although it is quite possible that wicked and sinner are nearly equivalent, a scoffer is a greater evil. The warning here is to avoid the counsel of the wicked (another translation for wicked is ungodly). According to Jesus, even his followers were evil (cf. Luke 11:13). And remember Jesus even called Peter Satan (cf. Matthew 16:23). Peter and all repentant sinners do not stand with the wicked. We battle against those impulses that war against the will of God. It’s a lifelong battle, and it is only lost if we give up the fight. We don’t stay with the wicked or seek their counsel.

We all sin. We do so because we are sinners. A sinner is one who wanders off the path of righteousness. A sinner is one who misses the mark of God’s will. And although we are sinners, that’s not the final word we claim. We are repentant sinners. We may step out of bounds – in fact we all do. But we do not make excuses for our behavior. We repent. To walk in the path of sinners is to refuse to repent.

But let us beware of a greater evil: taking a seat with the scoffers. These dismiss God and his ways. The scoffer denies God’s word and promises. Scoffers belittle Christians, the Christian Church, godly and decent behavior, and Jesus himself. They sit in judgment of God. They deride everything good. They reject the truth of their sin, which M. Scott Peck describes as the essence of evil. He says that evil people lack “awareness of their own evil” (click this link for the full quote).

A repentant sinner is still a sinner, but not only a sinner, also a saint. So it stands to reason that we will sometimes experience difficulty: withering leaves so to speak. But because we are also new creations in Christ we also produce delightful fruit. The key is to be united to Jesus (cf. John 15).

So how is it that Jesus who lived a perfect life in every possible way did not experience total outward success? Why does his life on earth not look like a tree planted beside the waters? He died a cruel and unjust death. How does that square with the psalm?

First of all Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death for us, carrying our sin to the cross. He took on the consequences of our wickedness, sin, and scoffing. But God raised him from the dead, and exalted him above all. The ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm is connected to Jesus. Through faith in him we will be exalted in glory with him forever. I’ll have more to say about all this tomorrow.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

I have a vivid recall of only a few sermons I’ve heard over the years. One was a Lutheran Hour sermon by the sainted Oswald Hoffman. Titled, Hang in There Together, it was a welcome reminder to us in our early years of marriage. Marriage is not for the faint of heart. Our commitment was a sacred one; not to be abandoned. Three more were by seminary professors who spoke grace and truth to a bunch of (possibly self-righteous and arrogant?) men who were studying to be pastors.

Then there was the message of which I was reminded today. Not based on this psalm, Pastor Lange’s message to us at our wedding was titled, Rejoicing Along the Way. In that message, he quoted Psalm 1. He recited the psalm from memory. Over the years I’ve leaned into this psalm, and I might be able to recite it from memory myself.

More important than being able to recite it from memory, however, is the warning and promises God gives us here. The warning is two-fold. The first is a warning against the dangerous progression of sinful influence. We are warned against walking in the council of the ungodly. This is more than simply passing through or being in the presence of ungodly people. As Paul reminds us, “ I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— ¹⁰ not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-10) This is a warning against a stroll with sinful and ungodly people. Taking their advice. Naively traveling their paths. Sadly, I know the danger of that course. My college years were far too often influenced by such a path. The ways of the world can seem so compelling. 

Then comes standing in the way of sinners. That is, no longer just walking with wicked people, but actually stopping to look at their wares. It’s a longer exposure to the allure of the world’s ways, and the beautiful bait of the devil. The bait – beautiful as it may be – always hides a sharp barb. Its center is poisonous.

And certainly do not sit down in that place. For example, you walk through Bourbon Street in New Orleans. As you walk, you stop to look and listen to things you know do not honor God. You go into the bar and have a seat. Too soon you will be taken captive to the drink, the dalliance, or the back room poker game.

I’m guessing there are some upstanding and righteous people and places there, but the danger certainly lurks. Blessed is the man or woman who does not follow that dangerous progression.

The alternative is to delight in the Law of the Lord; to meditate on it day and night. God’s law is the way of life. It will always accuse, showing our sin. It often curbs our dangerous inclinations, keeping us from going off the rails to a life of wanton abandon. But it also shows us a way to true life, joy, blessing and abundance.

Even when the law of God accuses us, that brings us to repentance and a return to God. Whenever that happens, God delights to forgive and receive us into his gracious presence. And when we are curbed from gross acts of disobedience by fear of God or consequences, we can thank God for the law that brings that fear to us, and calls us to repent. That was Jesus’ first recorded sermon in Mark’s Gospel, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news.” It’s a good message for us to meditate on walking, standing, or sitting.

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Of the Father’s Love Begotten is my absolute favorite Christmas hymn. The theology is profound, Christocentric, ethereal, rich, and deep. I will preach on this Christmas Day, Lord willing. My message will take the text of John 1 and pair it with key thoughts from the hymn.

It all boils down to this incredible truth: Because of the Father’s great love for us, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

What a mystery!

What a blessing!

Thanks be to God!

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore.

Oh, that birth forever blessèd,
When the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving,
Bore the Savior of our race,
And the babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face
Evermore and evermore.

This is He whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord,
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word.
Now He shines, the long-expected;
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him;
Angel hosts, His praises sing.
Pow’rs, dominions, bow before Him
And extol our God and King.
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Ev’ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore.

Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
And unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory
Evermore and evermore. Amen.

Text: Public domain

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Our church will host five (5) Christmas Eve services on December 24. People will gather at 2:00; 4:00; 6:00; 8:00; and 10:00 PM. We’ll use candles at all services – LED candles for the children, and real ones for the older folks. At the end of the service we’ll sing Silent Night as the lights are lowered throughout the church, and the candles are lit. The mood will be delightful. Peaceful. Restful. Reflective. Rich in grace.

Like several very favorite Christmas carols, this song warms the hearts of many people. Unlike some others, however, we don’t have to debunk some of the inaccuracies in this song. It’s solid in fact, allowing for the poetic language “Radiant beams from thy holy face.”

Some other popular songs stray from the clear and unassailable truth revealed in Scripture. For example, We Three Kings: Were there three? Were they actually kings? The biblical evidence does not support an absolute answer to the first, and indicates that they were magi, not kings. And although it’s a favorite, my belief is that the Little Lord Jesus did cry, just like all babies. He was sinless, but it’s no sin to cry. That’s how babies communicate. And there is no evidence that the shepherds looked up and saw a star. That was the magi.

But hear well, this song gets it right.

• Holy infant: Check.
• Virgin Mother: Check
• Shepherds quake: Check
• Glories stream from heaven: Check
• Heavenly host sing: Check
• Christ the Savior is born: Check
• Son of God: Check
• Love’s pure light: Check
• Jesus is Lord: Check

Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus Lord on the cross. Jesus Lord over death and the grave. Jesus Lord at the end of all time. Jesus Lord, confessed by all in the life of the world to come. What a beautiful truth to remember this Christmas!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Text: Public domain

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

My grandchildren (and their mother), when they visit us at St. John, love to ring the bell. It used to be used every Sunday. We would ring it before worship and again during the service at the Lord’s prayer. It once served to call the community to worship, and as a signal that the service had progressed to the point of the Lord’s Prayer.

It’s not clear whether the bells in this song were specially used on Christmas Day. But ring they did, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow heard them. You may know the story of the Song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it flowed from his real life experiences around Christmas. The story is recorded on the Gospel Coalition website, part of which reads:

On Friday, December 25, 1863, Longfellow—as a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself—wrote a poem seeking to capture the dynamic and dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him that Christmas Day.

He heard the Christmas bells ringing in Cambridge and the singing of “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14), but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook.

I love the way Longfellow embraced both the reality of life in a fallen world and the hope we have in Christ’s birth. Hate is strong. And while we live in relative peace, the people of Ukraine are feeling the brunt of war. Theirs is not a peaceful life. But true peace is more than an absence of war. For there are those who live in serene and peaceful settings whose hearts are troubled and restless. Peace is found in the heart of one who rests in the love of God. And that love is seen so very clearly in Jesus.

Somebody needs to send out the message. Bells need to ring. People need to hear. That’s why choirs sing his praises. Congregations join in the hymns and carols. Cantatas, concerts, and celebrations of many sorts point us toward Jesus.

Our hope and belief is that right shall prevail. The wrong shall fail. That’s why we must not stop and stay at the manger, but follow Jesus on to Calvary, and look with expectation to the life of the world to come. There will be perfect peace!

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And the bells are ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (peace on Earth)
In my heart I hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on Earth, ” I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir singing (peace on Earth)
Does anybody hear them? (Peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
(Peace on Earth)
(Peace on Earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on Earth, good will to men

Then ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And the bells, they’re ringing (peace on Earth)
Like a choir they’re singing (peace on Earth)
And with our hearts, we’ll hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells, they’re ringing? (Peace on Earth)
The light, the angels singing (peace on Earth)
Open up your heart and hear them (peace on Earth)
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth
Peace on Earth, good will to men

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Bernie Herms / Mark Hall / Dp
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day lyrics © Sony/atv Tree Publishing, Boosey And Hawkes Music Publishing Ltd., Banahama Tunes, St. Nicholas Music Inc., My Refuge Music, Travelin’ Zoo Music, Calougie Music, Shustmusic Llc, Word Music, Llc

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

My sister’s father-in-law was a Lutheran pastor whose name was Herald. What an apt name for a preacher of the Gospel. He was an interesting fellow. He was serving the vacancy of a church to which I was called in 1983. In some part I believe it was because he wrote the paragraph about me which the congregation used to elect me to serve as their pastor. He made me sound pretty good – way better than I felt comfortable with. (The higher the put you on the pedestal, the farther you have to fall!) On the day that my father was very near death, he kindly and firmly called and told me to go to be with my mom and sisters. “There’s nothing I can’t do for you there. You go be with your daddy,” he said. He took care of handling a funeral for me and the following Sunday service as well.

He advised me to practice intentional solicitude to the people of the church I was serving then. And on one occasion, when I had been treated very badly by some people there, he advised me to tell them, “OK, you can let God get back on his throne now.” It was his way of saying that they were completely out of line and had usurped God’s proper place in favor of their view of me and my ministry. It felt pretty good in that moment. He was in fact a Herald! He had his faults – we all do. But he sure did herald good news and grace to me.

A herald is an official messenger, a person who brings news. And in the case of the Herald Angels, their news is infinitely good. There is a new-born king. He is reconciling God and sinners. He has come for all nations. His birth warrants a glorious expression of praise in the skies. Christ is born in Bethlehem! He is worthy of our glory and praise.

The angels announce a heaven-born Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). He has laid his glory aside in order to redeem us and give us second birth (Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:3-5). We are to join the refrain of the angels. We too must sing his praises. We too must acknowledge his work in and for us. We too must rejoice in his reconciling work. We too must call the nations to rise and give glory to God for his gift of Jesus.

Herald was quite a person. So are you, dear reader. And so am I. We’re each our own unique complex of good and bad, saint and sinner, gifted and needy people. And we all have been reconciled to God. On us the Sun of Righteousness has risen. Christ is born in Bethlehem. Glory to the new-born king.

And that reminds me of a favorite Christmas quote shared with me by another pastor some years ago. He designed his own Christmas card the front of which read, “A thousand times in history a baby has become a king. Only once did a King become a baby.” We have a new-born king. He reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. All glory to him!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”

Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the new-born king”
“Glory to the new-born king”

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Frank Farian / Dp

Hark the Herald Angel Sing lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Culbertson Music, Far Musikverlag Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hal Leonard Publishing Corp., Fox Music, Integrity Worship Music, Integrity’s Praise! Music, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, Two Twenty Nine Music, David Binion Music, Be Essential Songs, Faber Music Limited, Wonderland Music Company Inc., De Wolfe Ltd, Word Music, Llc, Patterdale Music Ltd, Spirit Catalogue Holdings, S.a.r.l., Dorsey Brothers Music Inc

David Bahn-Reflections Podcast 

Luke 2:8-18

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

Gloooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo! I love singing that refrain. There are many easily accessible harmonies I can improvise with it. The words are indelibly impressed on my heart and mind. Glory to God in the highest! Yes! This is a praiseworthy moment. God is literally breaking through into our world. The heavens will not hold back. A child is born. Joy is unrestrained in its expression. Angels sing God’s praises. They will do their duty of telling the shepherds of the birth. But they are not to be restrained in their expression of joy and praise.

More than once this Advent/Christmas season I’ve been reminded that there is much more attention given and detail shared regarding the end of Jesus’ earthly life and his resurrection than is given to his birth. Truly the accounts of Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection take up ⅓ of the gospel record. Jesus’ birth occupies less than on tenth.

For reasons known only to God the praise and joy expressed at Jesus’ birth is not echoed at Jesus’ resurrection. Angels are present. They announce Jesus’ resurrection to Peter, John, and Mary. But there is no angel chorus. No “Glory to God in the highest!” Perhaps that is because Jesus’ resurrection – vital to our faith as it is – is only part of the victory that has been won for us. It is truly  a victory. Jesus’ resurrection is essential to our faith. But until the Great Last Day, the fullness of that victory is yet to be revealed.

But as Jesus is born things are in motion that will come to fruition.

I have been to only one professional basketball game, and the beginning of the game was quite a spectacle. Reunion Arena in Dallas was suddenly plunged into darkness. I heard a rumble on the sound system, together with a rhythmic bass riff accompanied by ominous sounding cascading notes in the upper range. Mavman (the Dallas Mavericks mascot) suddenly descended from the highest point in the arena – climbing down a rope dropped from the ceiling. Spotlights swept the crowd and the floor of the court. The game was about to begin!

The outcome of that game, sadly, was not as well assured as the outcome of Jesus’ birth. The Mavericks were giving away tickets to fill their seats. That’s why I was there. But the angels of God know how this will end. It begins. The major salvation event for all people was coming to light. This is the beginning of a great deliverance. It’s only the beginning. But its outcome is assured as the baby is born. Angels announce it. They sing God’s praises: Gloooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo! Though most likely not in Latin, the message is clear, Glory to God in the highest. No matter how powerful, mighty, important, or high and honored the place or person, the glory to God on this occasion reaches beyond. Good News of great joy. A Savior is born. Glory to God in the highest – and in the deep places of our hearts as well.

Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains. Refrain

ref Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song? Refrain

Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain

Text: Public domain