Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:13-14‬ ‭(NLT)

What a joyous sound it must have been! Think of some of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had – those moments when you were at a concert and the fine hairs of your arms raised up and you felt the music thrum deep in your soul – and then multiply that to the power of 10. Maybe we’re starting to get close. 

It would have been like nothing these humble workers had ever heard before. Unlike anything they’d ever hear again – at least in this life. 

Because this was Heaven declaring the birth of the Messiah. There had never been a night like this before!

Now what had been broken in the world for so very long – the relationship between Creator and created – had it’s remedy. That is what the birth of Jesus meant. 

Of course it was a joyful noise – it was hope, peace, joy and love, for all people in all times and places. It was the new thing that God had promised for so long. It was the answer to the cry of the human heart that longs for reconciliation with the One who spoke humanity into being. 

This Advent, may you know the joy of being reconciled to God through Jesus. May you rejoice anew at this wonderful thing that God has done for us. And may you hear an echo of that joyous song of the first Christmas.