Advent(Dec. 25): Never-Ending Christmas

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

Luke 2:11-19

An angel appeared and gave the first announcement - "Unto you is born this day, Christ the Lord!!!"

Then, suddenly, there was not just one angel in the glory of the Lord, but a whole host of them all around the quivering shepherds. Not only were they visible, they were singing as only angels can, praising God. Their presence heightens the importance of the announcement. This was not just a small, heavenly choir but the heavenly host that appeared in full force. God's vast army came to add their voices to the announcement that their great Captain had just been born!

The hymn they sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace!"

One of Christ's titles is "The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), and He who had just been born would eventually bring peace on earth.  

What then, is this Christmas peace --  It is the peace that may be experienced by the people of God's good will.  This kind of peace begins with peace with God, which is evident from the words of the angels -- they announced "peace among men with whom He is pleased." -

 And that peace is the result of becoming a disciple of Jesus. Jesus Himself said to His disciples: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you" (John 14:27).

Oh, I cannot imagine how awestruck the shepherds must have been that night when the angels appeared.

Handel's Messiah "Glory to God in the Highest" makes this glorious moment even more memorable!!!

High praise is to be given to God for his love in redeeming people. Oh, that not only “angels,” but “men,” would join universally in this song of praise!(source)

"The whole world lingers long at Christmas trees tonight, not wanting Christmas to be over. All of us long for this wonder to go on.
But it will never be dark again..."For unto us a Child is born..."
God, Jesus, stays with us.
Because we have Jesus with us, Christmas goes on forever!!"
He is the greatest Gift!!!

Thank you for joining me on this 25-day walk through the Advent Calender...from the book, "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift".(All quotes listed are from the book, unless indicated.)

From December 1st to December 25th

I have been sharing each story in this beautiful book, as well as some of the breathtaking pictures. 

To view the whole series on one page, go HERE

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