Jesse Tree December 22

Another angel is added to the Jesse Tree today. This angel is the one who announced to the shepherds that the Savior had been born in the town of David. The heavenly host appeared with the angel and sang "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men."

We are privileged to sing the angel's song in the liturgy. It is no accident that just as the birth of Christ comes at the beginning of his earthly life, the angels' song comes at the beginning of the liturgy. In the liturgy we travel through the life of Christ from his birth (Gloria in Excelsis), his procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (The Sanctus), His Passion during Holy Week (The Agnus Dei) and finally the song of Simeon (The Nunc Dimittis) which acknowledges that in the Divine Service we have seen the salvation of the Lord and we can depart in peace. What a joy it is to sing the God-inspired words of the angels!

When we sing the Gloria in Excelsis, we are united with the angels who appeared to the shepherds and with the Church as it joins in the Liturgy and with the angels in heaven who sing this at the throne of God.

In yonder home shall never Be silent music's voice;
With hearts and lips forever We shall in God rejoice.
The angels shall adore Him, All saints shall sing His praise
And bring with joy before Him Their sweetest heavenly lays.