The First Christmas Carol - a Devotion for 23 December 2022, Anno Domini

 

A

ND 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, good will toward men. 

(Luke 2:13-14 - Gloria in excelsis Deo!)

 

            I love the Church Year Calendar, and the Seasons I love best are Advent and Christmastide. Were it not for Christmas, there would be no Easter. Advent is the season of eager anticipation of the Coming of the Christ-Child. It very smoothly fades into that most Holy Season of Christ incarnation at Bethlehem.

 

            Christmas has always been a time of joyous song and caroling, in fact, some of the most beautiful hymns in the hymnal are Christmas hymns. So, it seems very appropriate that the very first Christmas hymn was sung by a host of angels to an audience of poor shepherds on a hill overlooking sleepy little Bethlehem. The simplicity of the coming of the Lord as a baby is stunning to the minds of the world whose hearts are set upon earthly grandeur. Though an old 18thcentury French hymn, Angels we Have Heard on High, captures the beauty and essence of the birth of our Lord, its refrain was not man-made – the refrain, Gloria, in excelsis Deo,’ came from the heart of God and the angelic hosts of Heaven within minutes of the Lord’s birth. This was the very first Christmas carol sung in majestic voice. And what were the stage props for such a chorus? It was the purple canopy of the high desert night sky and the brilliant gleaming of the stars through the pristine air.

 

            The setting, too, was extraordinary. Bethlehem was a tiny village whose livelihood was bolstered by the raising of lambs to be sold to those enroute to the Temple for a sacrifice.  So, it is perfectly appropriate that the innocent Lamb of God would be born in such a place. The Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus at the time, probably had no idea of the location of that village even if his tax collectors did. But Augustus was moved, beyond his full understanding, to proclaim the registration of all in their home city at the time. Bethlehem happened to be the ancestral city of Joseph.  Therefore, Joseph was compelled to travel to Bethlehem at precisely the time mandated by Almighty God for the birth of His only Begotten Son at such a venue. 

 

            The inn-keeper perhaps was a good man. He was unaware of the majestic nature of the child Mary carried in her womb. He honestly had no room but was willing to accommodate a desperate couple by allowing them use of his stable. This reminds us of those present on the occasion. There was Mary and Joseph, and the beasts of the field as onlookers to the glorious occasion. The child was laid in a wooden trough (manger) used for feeding the beasts of the field. 

 

            Almost simultaneous to the birth, there were poor shepherds with their flocks keeping watch on the hills overlooking the village. Suddenly, to their amazement, there can a burst of light that filled the night sky, and a great Angel appeared to share the news of the birth of a Savior. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:7-12) Then came the chorus of Angels to sing that first Christmas carol.

 

            All these events took place without the knowledge of the kings and potentates of the land, or even of the landed gentry. It was for the poor and downtrodden that Christ came, and those who know Him not are the poor and downtrodden regardless of wealth or fame. 

 

Do you know Him?

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