Have you ever felt so elated, so excited over a bit of good news that you couldn’t wait to tell someone? Maybe you think that you will just share with your bestie and no one else, but then another friend comes along and you just can’t stop yourself from sharing the good news! And so on, and so on…
”And you will recognize Him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” 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 2:8-9, 12-14 NLT
Well, I’ve been imagining (inspired by scripture) what heaven must have looked and sounded like as messenger angel, Gabriel, returned to heaven after sharing God’s good plan with Mary. The time had come on earth for God to enter into human life, and begin to re-establish His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. Can you imagine for a moment the shouts of joy, the anticipation and preparation for The Word to depart the Throne and descend into Mary’s womb?
For God and all the angelic hosts of heaven there exists no parameter or boundary of time, and so I cannot fathom their idea of waiting. Perhaps, there’s no such concept as waiting in eternity, but still, all of heaven must have rejoiced on tiptoes watching God fulfill promise after promise while humankind, one by one, group by group, began to catch on.
Have you ever wanted to surprise someone with a birthday party or a special gift? Maybe you lived, possibly for weeks, kind of a double life of behind the scenes planning with friends, colleagues, and family. There were looks, secret texts, and pretend scenarios painted in the surprisee’s imagination; all of it designed specifically to get your person to the moment of the big reveal.
Who was more excited? Who was experiencing the greatest amount of joy in that moment?
Probably, most likely, those who were privy to the grandeur about to be unveiled!
I’ve been pondering this week of Advent, the delightful proclamations of two well known Christmas carols, We Three Kings and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Both highlight a message of joyful triumph and a journey to find Him, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel.
”Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”“
Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
I’ve chosen to zoom in on the story of the three wise men, learned men of astrology, who were knowledgeable of a forthcoming super-star appearing in the night sky, which would signal the birth of a king. Many people of diverse station and nationality it seems, from near and far, were longing for change, and expectantly sought after signs of impending rescue. These men saw the star, a message they believed, and they followed it to wherever it might lead.
What was the tone of their conversations as they rode camels through desert lands, and camped out in the open watching the star? Were they giddy or did they keep a calm demeanor protecting their joy against disappointment? What if they closed their eyes and the star disappeared? What if the prophecy was true and they found the king newly born?
We three kings
We three kings of orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain
Moor and mountain
Following yonder star
Refrain: O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King for ever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign
Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising
All men raising
Worship Him, God most high
Refrain
Myrrh is mine
It’s bitter perfume breathes
A life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone cold tomb
Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia
Heaven to earth replies
Refrain
All this pondering about signs, anticipation, good news, and joyful proclamations reminded me of another scene in which Father God could not hold back His joy over His beloved Son. Angels proclaimed, shepherds recounted, wise men, and prophets declared, and now it was His turn to shout His approval.
I am reminded of a wedding reception. The DJ makes the long anticipated announcement as the bride and groom make their entrance. The best man and maid of honor make their toasts, special guests chime in, but then the Father just cannot withhold His immense pleasure with His Son any longer.
”As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”“
Mark 1:10-11 NLT
Rejoice, friends! The King is Born! Proclaim this good news wherever you go, for all of Heaven stands ready to make way for the King’s promised return.
Live Love Brightly,
Lisa
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