“Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains”
- Angels We Have Heard On High
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” Luke 2:1
It was the ultimate birth announcement. Christ was born! It was the greatest news these messengers could ever share. It was so powerful that it forced a response. the mountains replied and echoed the angels’ delight. The shepherds responded differently, though. In the song they respond with fear, confusion and a question of why? “Why are we singing, praising, celebrating?” The angels then told them about Christ being born.
The shepherds left for Bethlehem to see what the angels were talking about. Even with a hosts of angels delivering this message they still had to see for themselves. We can be just like those shepherds – having to see to believe. Faith is believing even though we cannot see. Faith is our response to the angels’ message. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Just like the intensity of the message of Christ’s birth, faith demands a response.
How are we responding today?
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4
PRAYER
Lord, help my response to Your wonderful gift be my faith. Help my faith grow stronger in You everyday. Help me trust and place my hope in You and Your plan for my life. Even when I can’t see the steps ahead. Amen.
Raelyn Pracht 