“Angels We Have Heard on High”- This traditional hymn is the account of a key aspect of the Christmas story.  This song is really the shepherds’ song, or at least covers the experience of the shepherds.

The shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see for themselves what the angel proclaimed. There they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus, the Messiah, who was lying in a manger.

After witnessing for themselves what the angel had told them, the shepherds told everyone along the way what they had seen first-hand.

Following their encounter with Jesus, the shepherds sang heaven’s song. The sermon has the following outline:

1. The Setting (v. 1-7)
2. The Angelic Announcement (v. 8-14)
3. The Shepherds’ Response (v. 15)

Since the shepherds’ joy is already expressed in verse two of the Christmas carol, “Angels We Have Heard on High,” perhaps the next verse of the song, “Come to Bethlehem and see Him,” is our invitation to meet Jesus at the manger. Have you been? Have you met Jesus in this season and joined in the heavenly praise,

“Glory to God in the highest.”

The song, the shepherds, and our Savior, invite us into the story of Christmas, of Christ’s birth which brings the good news of Jesus to us as well. Come, see what the shepherds saw and add your praise to the celebration.

Glory to God in the highest.