Glory to God in the Highest

This past Sunday, I caught myself almost un-controllably belting “Glo-oooo-oooo-oooo-ria” when signing “Angels We Have Heard on High” during the service. And I believe this is worthy, as not only was it worship to our Lord, but the hymn is a certified jam. All be it I think I was singing so loud, that a few of the youth moved down their pews from me. I had never researched the song before, so I decided to dig in a bit. The original hymn was written 1862 and draws from an early church Hymn named “Gloria in excelsis Deo” with each drawing biblical inspiration from Luke 2:14. In Luke 2:14 the angels of heaven announce the birth of Jesus. A beautiful moment in the story of Jesus, leading to the shepherds going to Bethlehem.
As I sung, I truly was joyful in the moment worshiping the Lord, enjoying the moment with him and his people. It was like I slowed down for a couple of moments, which has been rare during the holidays. Of course, most of you would say likewise, that slowing down is tough this time of year. Yet as I dug into the hymn and read through Luke 1-2, I realized no one was distracted by the things of their daily lives, each person had their attentions turned towards the Lord. I’m sure Joseph and Mary had plenty to do, Elizabeth was pregnant herself, and the Shepherds were in the middle of a workday. Yet, everyone involved in the Christ birth turned their attention away from daily lives to focus on the Lord.
It is such a simple and basic realization, but we are called to do the same regardless of what is going on in our lives. We are called to turn our attention to the Lord, never letting our eyes drift. As the angels say in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”, our attention should be on the one who is highest and provider of peace. The Christmas story is really one of a fast moving, worrisome mix of unknowns for all involved, yet peace is felt by all.
Thus, I realized the most basic realization of them all, my eyes had drifted from God during this chaotic season. My attention had turned to my newborn, weddings, family gatherings, presents, etc. The peace I had felt while belting “Gloria in excelsis Deo” was really my attention returning to the one who is most high. And while I know this is said in some form or fashion yearly during this time, I call you to do the same. It doesn’t mean daily life stops; rather daily life is done with glory to our King. I challenge you to belt out in worship, stop and pray a few extra minutes, dive into your favorite book of the bible, whatever it is I pray that your eyes wander to Jesus and that you give glory to God in the highest.

- Slade