A Sound Like No Other

As we close out the year, it's a fitting time to reflect on the love of God and the true gift of Christmas-His Son, Jesus Christ. In the midst of the season's hustle and bustle, may we be reminded of the ultimate reason for our joy: the fulfillment of God's promises and His boundless grace toward us.

I want to share my reflection from PBA's Advent Guide on my most memorable Christmas sound. I pray this article is a blessing to you and your family as you remember not just His blessings, but His promises to us.

On behalf of the PBA community, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

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Luke 2:13-14 - "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'"

One of the most memorable Christmas sounds for me growing up was caroling. Caroling was a common practice in many churches, and one of my favorite carols was, and still is, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," based on Luke 2:14, which tells of an angelic chorus praising God. Now, when I reflect, having a choir turn up on your street or front door, usually before the sun comes out or after it goes down, provides a glimpse of what it must have been like for the shepherds keeping watch that night to hear "The Good News."

In a field, on an ordinary night, their lives were interrupted by the sound of heaven declaring something extraordinary-the birth of our Savior. It was a moment of unexpected joy brought forth by praise. I often wonder how they must have been overjoyed to be the first to hear of Christ's birth and experience such praise-and how it positioned the posture of their hearts to go in search of the promised Messiah and worship Him.

Too often, the commercialization of Christmas-the gifts, the ham, the lights, the tree-takes us away from what should bring us ultimate joy this season. The angel's proclamation wasn't just for the shepherds but for all of us. This Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ, my prayer is that the sounds of carols usher us into a reflection of "The Good News" that celebrating His birth holds for us. It is a reminder of a promise fulfilled and a promise yet to come: life eternal. Let us praise God for the Christ child who brought us ultimate redemption.

We invite readers to join us in reflecting on this season of joy. To read more daily devotionals from PBA this Christmas, please click here.