By Stephanie Alcaino
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Whilst this is the time where we all can attempt to sing like Mariah Carey or Justin Beiber this Christmas, we should also take some time to think why we sing these carols to begin with…
I remember a time when I was living in Oxford (UK). Mic and I one day decided to check out a castle that was in the next village up from Oxford called Woodstock. Apparently from what I had been told, this castle was one of the most beautiful places in the area. Sooo…. inevitably we managed to get a little lost and not find the majestic entrance or even know where this castle was (regardless of it’s size). We walked around the village and its cobblestone streets for about half an hour until we arrived at this massive old stone wall. We weren’t too sure was lay behind this big wall but there was only one way to find out. The moment we stepped through a small entrance … BAMMM! I remember the breath, words and all thoughts were completely knocked out of me and small tears began to form at the corner of my eyes. Before us was a huge lake with beautiful autumn coloured trees and a cobbled stone bridge kindly stood on the other side of the completely calm lake, occupied by white swans. Before our very eyes lay the most beautiful, majestic castle, with its sandstone walls, decorated doorways, pillars and gardens that went on for days. I even remember we both had to take a step back to take the entire moment in!
What moments in your life have made you stand in awe? When have you been left speechless? Was it a time were you were looking from a mountain top, or staring at one of the 7 wonders of the world or could it have been when you saw your baby brother or sister for the first time after their birth?
One of the most awe-inspiring moments in the history of mankind was the night Christ was born. Wow. When the King of kings first became man. This was the history shifting moment which allows us to stand firm in knowing that all our sins have been washed away, that we are now considered children of God and we can happily say that we have an eternity with our Lord up in heaven! There has not been an event before or after Christ’s birth that has resulted in such a celebration. I would have loved to see the faces of the shepherds and the three wise men when they encountered Christ for the first time. Not knowing whether to laugh or cry or run around or dance. It definitely would have left them speechless. I’m sure even the cows and sheep must have had a moment of awe for the baby boy that was born before them.
Leading up to this Christmas remind yourself what you felt when you had an awe-inspiring moment, and make an attempt to regain these moments with God, so we can truly celebrate Christmas the way the angels did. Don’t let your relationship with God be a boring, ordinary one. But make it one that you can wake up each day rejoicing and being in such awe of the wonders and beauty of our creator and all he has done for us!
Question time!
- 1. Describe some awe-inspiring moments you’ve had with God. How have these moments impacted you?
- 2. What changes do you need to make in your life so that you can start having more awe-inspiring moments with God?
- 3. Will you be rejoicing the way the Angels did this Christmas?
Hint: Be spontaneous this Christmas!
