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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
The gospel of Luke recounts for us the story of an angelic visitation to shepherds late one night who were watching over their flocks on the hillsides around Bethlehem. This visitation announcing to them – and us through them – the most significant birth and subsequent life to grace the earth.
It’s a familiar story, with particular emphasis given to it this season of the year, it’s theme used in one of the more beloved Christmas carols sung in the weeks leading up to Christmas, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.1And while great effort is made around the world – even among non-Christians – to silence the guns of war and shouts of disagreement and conflict, the message of scripture and this song are meant for all mankind throughout the entire year.
“It came upon the midnight clear that glorious song of old. From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold. Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heavens all gracious King. The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.”
That glorious song of old promising peace and good will from the King of Kings has its origins in His love for us and the grace He extends to us through the Son that was just born and who was destined to live an exemplary life before dying an ignonimous death. Yet therein lies the glory. His death cleared the way for all who believe to approach the throne of God with confidence in their salvation and with eternal love for their benefactor.
The second verse of the carol is much less sung but just as powerful in its claim that, “Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled. And still their heavenly music floats through all the weary world. (But) man at war with man hears not the love song which they bring. O hush the noise and cease the strife and hear the angels sing.”
Obviously, not everyone believes, nor does everyone who claims to believe behave appropriately. Thus the many strands of strife and the noise of battle throughout the world. But it’s not exclusive to battles between nations, as individual men and women, neighbors, families, churches, politicians, races and friends find reason to disagree and fight over issues big and small; usually to our shame and God’s disapproval.
This year, let’s take seriously the admonition to “hush the noise and cease the strife and hear the angels sing.” “Glory to God in the highest. Glory to God evermore. Good news, great joy for all. Melody breaks through the silence. Christ the Savior is born. Jesus, the love Song of God.”2
1Edmund Hamilton Sears | Richard Storrs Willis, © Words: Public Domain, Music: Public Domain
2Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jonas Myrin © 2015 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing),Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Son of the Lion (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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