When Christ was born in Bethlehem, an angel of God gave the message of His birth to the shepherds who were in the field near the town. What do we hear in the song that the angels sang? They are glorifying God in the highest. They are doing what they and we were created to do. “And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 7:11–12).

The great wonder of the birth of the Son of God into the world as the Son of Man, as the Savior, could not be kept secret but must be published around the world. The Creator of all became a servant to all. “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you. The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him” (John 13:13–16). Jesus Christ the God-Man was Lord of lords and King of kings. He became a servant to gather His people from the ends of the earth to glorify Him.

But the song did not end in the fields of Bethlehem. It was told to all who would listen. This song had not been heard on earth before, but now “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). God sent witnesses of this great wonder, which had been looked for since our fall in Paradise, for the fulfillment of the promise of the Seed. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). The angels returned into heaven, and God sent His messengers to proclaim the good news. John the Baptist was a witness that the Light of the world had come as the Lamb of God (John 11–36). This “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matt. 1:23) came as the suffering Savior for His people. “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

The angels’ song was silenced as they beheld the scene on earth. The Lord of glory was crucified, but listen to Him there. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” “I thirst.” “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” “It is finished.” The thief on the cross could join the throng above forever singing the angels’ song. The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the darkness was turned into light. Heaven broke forth into rejoicing through His death. Satan and death were defeated forever. His people are given ears to hear the joyful sound. Because He died, they would live eternally to glorify Him. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:10–11).

Jehovah’s kindly face gives happiness and grace

To all that are pure hearted; to them is life imparted.

Rejoice in God, ye just. He raised you from the dust;

Give thanks, ye people all. His holy Name recall,

Repose in Him your trust. (Psalter 423:7)

By God’s servants the message goes out even today. The way of salvation is opened through the cross of Jesus Christ. “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zech. 13:1). Many times in this world His people’s mouths are closed, unable to sing, but when their Savior King draws near they cannot but sing His praises. They look for Him to take away their sorrow, and receive the desire of their heart to be with Him forever:

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (Rev. 14:1–3)

This is the never-ending song of joy and praise, glorifying the triune God who reigns forever and ever. The song that the angels sang so many years ago will continually increase because of our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who died, arose, ascended into heaven, and will come again to bring His people home to be with Him eternally. What song are you singing?

Jesus! The vision of Thy face hath overpow’ring charms!

Scarce shall I feel death’s cold embrace, If Christ be in my arms.

When flesh shall fail, and heart-strings break, sweet will the minutes roll!

A mortal paleness on my cheek, but glory in my soul.

(The Song of Simeon 5–6)

Mr. Cornelius VanKempen known as Case, has been married to Susan for fifty-eight blessed years. They attend and are members of Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, MI.